CM Sukhu Announces 3% DA Hike, New Compensation Policy for Outsourced HPSEBL Staff Ahead of Diwali.
Shimla:
In a significant pre-Diwali bonanza for state employees and pensioners, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister’s Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday announced a 3 percent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA), which will be credited with October salaries and pensions, payable in November.
The arrears from April to September 2025 will also be deposited this month, while separate orders are awaited for arrears from July 2023 to March 2025, offering further financial relief to thousands of employees across the state.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Biennial General Convention of the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board Employees Union in Shimla, where the Chief Minister also introduced a compensation policy for outsourced HPSEBL employees in case of accidents, a long-standing demand of the union.
Consideration of One Pension Scheme (OPS)
Addressing the gathering, CM Sukhu said that the government was actively considering extending the One Pension Scheme (OPS) to Electricity Board employees following consultations with union leaders. “The support of employees is crucial to reforming the Electricity Board,” he said.
He underscored the need for systemic reforms, highlighting inefficiencies in electricity production. He pointed out that electricity from the Uhl project is costing Rs. 27 per unit, while the employee-related expenditure stands at only Rs. 2.50 per unit. “The imbalance is due to excessive officers compared to actual staff, depriving employees of rightful financial benefits,” the CM said.
Financial Support for Employees and Pensioners
In a detailed breakdown of the state’s support to employees and pensioners, the Chief Minister revealed that Rs. 2,200 crore has been released for HPSEBL employees, with pensioners receiving Rs. 662.81 crore from 2023 to September 2025 towards gratuity, medical reimbursements, leave encashment, and pension arrears. An additional Rs. 70 crore will be disbursed by year-end.
Medical reimbursements have also been centralized and streamlined, with weekly disbursements and no pending dues as of now.
The CM ordered the immediate clearance of all pending promotions, further strengthening employee morale.
Attacks on Centre, Past Regime
Taking a swipe at the central government, CM Sukhu claimed that while Himachal Pradesh implemented OPS, the Centre—under pressure from BJP leaders—halted additional borrowing, putting the state’s finances under strain. He accused the Union government of consistently pressuring the state to withdraw OPS.
Blaming the previous BJP government for fiscal mismanagement, Sukhu said his administration inherited a debt of Rs. 75,000 crore and employee liabilities of Rs. 10,000 crore. “If employees are facing delays in their benefits, the present government is not at fault,” he asserted.
He alleged that the previous regime opened 600 educational institutions ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections, many of which had to be closed due to lack of infrastructure and staff. “We made difficult decisions and brought about meaningful reforms,” he said.
Reforms in Education, Health, and Rural Economy
The Chief Minister proudly stated that Himachal Pradesh jumped from 21st to 5th rank in quality education due to timely reforms. In healthcare, the state is replacing 20-year-old equipment and strengthening medical colleges.
He also announced the introduction of advanced medical technologies, including PET scans, 3-Tesla MRI machines, and robotic surgeries at Chamiana Hospital and Tanda Medical College, under a Rs. 3,000 crore investment plan.
Sukhu further highlighted efforts to boost the rural economy, including higher procurement prices for milk and support prices for crops like wheat, maize, barley, and raw turmeric grown through natural farming methods.
Dignitaries Present
The Chief Minister also released the union’s souvenir during the event. Among the dignitaries present were MLAs Sanjay Awasthi, Harish Janartha, Ranjit Singh, Congress leader Surender Mankotia, HPSEBL Chairman Prabodh Saxena, Managing Director Aditya Negi, All Engineers Union President Lokesh Thakur, General Secretary Heera Lal Verma, and HPSEBL Employees Union President Kameshwar Dutt Sharma.
This announcement comes as a major boost to government employees and pensioners ahead of the festive season, while also signaling the state government’s intent to implement deeper reforms in public utilities, healthcare, education, and rural livelihoods.
