Himachal Pradesh News
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Orders Departments to Clear Pensioners’ Dues Within 4 Days, Reaffirms Commitment to OPS
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday directed all state government departments to clear the pending arrears of Class-IV pensioners and medical reimbursement claims of pensioners and employees within the next four days, offering major relief to thousands of beneficiaries across the state.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday directed all state government departments to clear the pending arrears of Class-IV pensioners and medical reimbursement claims of pensioners and employees within the next four days, offering major relief to thousands of beneficiaries across the state.
The announcement came after a delegation of the Himachal Pradesh Pensioners’ Joint Action Committee, led by its president Suresh Thakur, met the Chief Minister and submitted a charter of demands regarding pending payments and pension-related issues.
Addressing the delegation, Sukhu said that the state government remains fully committed to the welfare of pensioners and employees, acknowledging their significant contribution to the development of Himachal Pradesh over the years.
“The contribution of employees and pensioners in building the state cannot be ignored. The government is dedicated to protecting their interests,” the Chief Minister stated.
Himachal Government Stands Firm on Old Pension Scheme
Reiterating the state government’s stand on the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), Sukhu said that the scheme was restored in the very first Cabinet meeting after the current government came to power. He also asserted that Himachal Pradesh would continue implementing OPS despite pressure from the Centre to adopt the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).
The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government would not compromise on the financial security of government employees and pensioners.
CM Raises Concerns Over Financial Support From Centre
During the interaction, Sukhu alleged that the Union Government had withheld financial assistance worth Rs 1,600 crore linked to the implementation of OPS. He further claimed that the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), which Himachal Pradesh had been receiving since 1952, had created major financial pressure on the state.
According to the Chief Minister, the state is facing an annual financial loss ranging between Rs 8,000 crore and Rs 10,000 crore due to the stoppage of RDG.
He also compared the financial support received during the previous BJP government and the current administration. Sukhu stated that the earlier government had received Rs 54,000 crore under RDG along with Rs 16,000 crore as GST compensation, while the present government has reportedly received only Rs 17,000 crore under RDG.
Relief Expected for Pensioners and Employees
The Chief Minister assured pensioners that despite financial challenges, the Himachal Pradesh government is making every effort to safeguard the interests of retired employees and government staff.
The meeting was also attended by Principal Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan and office-bearers of the Pensioners’ Joint Action Committee.
