Our Government Cleared the Pending DA Left from the Late Virbhadra Singh’s Tenure: Jairam Thakur

Shimla, August 21: Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur accused the Congress government of injustice towards state employees, despite having come to power with their support. During the Assembly session, the BJP raised the issue of pending Dearness Allowance (DA) and pressed the Chief Minister to announce a clear timeline for its release. However, no definite assurance was given by the government.

As the Chief Minister evaded the matter and failed to commit to releasing DA, BJP legislators staged a walkout from the House. Speaking to the media later, Thakur alleged that the state government has withheld more than 11% DA owed to employees, and the Chief Minister’s evasive response indicates he has no intention of releasing it.

Thakur further said that the Chief Minister repeatedly blames the previous government for every shortcoming, even after being in power for over two and a half years. “Shifting failures onto the past government is nothing but arrogance and irresponsibility. It’s time the Chief Minister accepts his mistakes. This government, which came to power on the back of false promises and hollow guarantees, cannot keep holding the opposition accountable for everything,” he remarked.

He also reminded that during the Budget Session, the Chief Minister had assured employees that one installment of DA would be released in May. “But May has passed, June has passed, July has passed, and now even August is ending—yet not a single announcement has been made. Today as well, no assurance was given, making it clear that employees won’t receive DA in the near future either,” Thakur said.

The Leader of Opposition highlighted that arrears alone amount to nearly ₹2,000 crore. Employees are struggling even for medical reimbursements, as the government has failed to clear their bills for the past two and a half years. “Is the opposition responsible for that too?” he questioned.

Thakur pointed out that even during the tenure of the late Virbhadra Singh, DA had been pending, but it was his government that released it. “This is a normal administrative process, not a political favor. But the present government is playing politics instead of working in the interest of employees. This is most unfortunate. The government must immediately release the pending DA,” he demanded.