Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh finances won’t impact OPS, salaries or welfare schemes: CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured that despite financial constraints, the Old Pension Scheme, salaries, pensions and welfare schemes for the poor will continue uninterrupted.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured that despite financial constraints, the Old Pension Scheme, salaries, pensions and welfare schemes for the poor will continue uninterrupted.
Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday categorically asserted that the state’s financial challenges would not impact the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), payment of salaries and pensions, or welfare schemes for the poor and needy.
Speaking to mediapersons before leaving for Delhi, Sukhu dismissed concerns raised by opposition leaders and said the government was fully committed to safeguarding employees’ and beneficiaries’ interests.
“Despite the projections made by the Finance Department, everyone will continue to get their salaries and pensions as before. My job is to generate resources and move forward with the money we have,” the Chief Minister said.
OPS will continue, CM assures employees
Reiterating the government’s stand on OPS, Sukhu said the scheme would not be discontinued under any circumstances, despite fiscal stress.
“I assure that no scheme meant for the poor and needy will be stopped. I understand their pain and suffering because I have seen struggle closely and know how to overcome it,” he said.
Taking a political swipe at the BJP, Sukhu claimed that OPS would have been discontinued had the party returned to power in the 2027 Assembly elections.
“My father was an employee, and I understand the pain of families that depend on pension,” he added.
Refutes Jai Ram Thakur’s claim
The Chief Minister also refuted former CM and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur’s allegation regarding the invitation for a Finance Department presentation, saying the claim undermined the dignity of the office.
He showed a copy of the letter issued by him, clarifying that the invitation was extended properly and in accordance with protocol.
Calls for united stand on RDG
Accusing the BJP of prioritising politics over Himachal’s interests, Sukhu said while his government was fighting for the state’s financial rights, opposition leaders were focused on early election mobilisation.
“It is shameful that when we are fighting to protect Himachal’s interests, the LoP is asking BJP cadres to gear up for elections,” he said.
He urged all BJP leaders from Himachal, including the seven BJP MPs, to collectively meet the Prime Minister and demand the continuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG).
RDG comparison and fiscal discipline
Highlighting fiscal disparities, Sukhu said the previous BJP government received around Rs 54,000 crore in RDG over five years, while the current Congress regime received only Rs 17,000 crore in three years.
“Despite limited RDG, we exercised fiscal restraint and ensured development works were not affected,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that the government had generated Rs 3,800 crore through its own resources in the past three years.
Attack on BJP leadership
Sukhu criticised Leader of Opposition and Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur for what he termed irresponsible statements, and reminded the BJP that despite a surplus treasury during Jai Ram Thakur’s tenure, employee arrears were not cleared.
“Governments will come and go, but the withdrawal of RDG will affect all future governments. It is time to rise above petty politics and protect Himachal’s interests,” he said.
He accused the Centre of adopting a step-motherly approach towards Himachal by withholding the RDG.
