Shimla, 07 April: Amid rising discontent over unpaid arrears, Dearness Allowance (DA), and unaddressed financial commitments, Himachal Pradesh government employees are preparing for a major showdown with the state government. The Joint Employees Federation (JEF) has started strategizing for a statewide movement, aimed at pressuring the government to settle these outstanding liabilities.
At a recent meeting held at Kalibari Hall in Shimla, employees expressed their frustration over the government’s failure to fulfill its financial obligations. JEF President Virendra Chauhan highlighted that employees have yet to receive their revised pay scale arrears, and the DA, which is critical for their livelihoods, has been left unpaid. He confirmed that the Federation is organizing conventions in all districts across the state and will finalize the plan for a large-scale movement within the next three months.
“Employees are extremely angry as they continue to face financial hardships due to the government’s negligence in paying dues,” Chauhan said.
Adding to the discontent, JEF General Secretary Hiralal Verma pointed out the government’s failure to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) as promised, especially for employees in corporation boards like the electricity board. “While MLAs have seen their salaries soar, the employees have been left in the lurch. The government has turned a blind eye to the financial crisis faced by the working class,” Verma stated.
The Federation’s leaders have made it clear that if their demands for financial dues are not met, they will ramp up their efforts and initiate a more aggressive campaign. Employees feel they have been sidelined by both the current and former governments, leading to a growing sense of betrayal and frustration. The Federation’s call for a united and strong movement signifies the employees’ resolve to pressurize the government until their financial rights are fulfilled.
