Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh Pensioners Submit Key Demands to CM Sukhu, Govt Assures Action Amid Financial Constraints
A delegation of the Himachal Pradesh Pensioner’s Joint Front on Monday met Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, putting forward a detailed charter of demands concerning the welfare of retired employees across the state.
A delegation of the Himachal Pradesh Pensioner’s Joint Front on Monday met Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, putting forward a detailed charter of demands concerning the welfare of retired employees across the state.
Led by Front President Atma Ram, the delegation discussed several long-pending issues affecting pensioners. The meeting, held in Shimla, reflected growing expectations among retirees seeking timely financial and policy support from the state government.
Chief Minister Sukhu assured the delegation that their concerns would be reviewed with a “sympathetic and positive approach.” He emphasized that despite financial challenges, the state government has consistently worked toward improving the welfare of both employees and pensioners over the past three-and-a-half years.
Highlighting key achievements, Sukhu pointed out that the government reinstated the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for nearly 1.36 lakh employees in its very first Cabinet meeting. However, he also raised concerns that the Central Government has reportedly withheld financial assistance amounting to ₹1,600 crore, which was linked to the implementation of OPS.
The Chief Minister further stated that the government has already cleared full arrears for pensioners above 70 years of age following revisions in pay scales. In addition, pending dues such as gratuity and leave encashment for Class-IV employees who retired between January 1, 2016, and January 31, 2022, have also been released.
The meeting was also attended by Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and Principal Adviser (Media) to the Chief Minister, Naresh Chauhan.
This interaction is being seen as an important step toward addressing pensioners’ concerns, especially at a time when financial sustainability and employee welfare remain key governance challenges in Himachal Pradesh.
