CM Announces Rs. 2,155 Crore Spent on Employees’ and Pensioners’ Arrears, Reaffirms Commitment to Welfare. 

Ghumarwin, Bilaspur:

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday presided over the State-level function of the Himachal Pradesh Pensioner Joint Front at Ghumarwin and highlighted the government’s extensive efforts to clear pending arrears of employees and pensioners, stating that a total of Rs. 2,155 crore has already been spent on these settlements.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that Pensioner’s Day is not just a ceremonial occasion but an opportunity to honour the dedication and service of retired employees who have contributed to strengthening Himachal Pradesh’s administrative system through honesty, discipline, and public service. He emphasized that pensioners continue to serve as an inspiration for future generations.

CM Sukhu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of employees and pensioners, noting that the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) was restored in the very first Cabinet meeting after the government assumed office, despite inheriting a challenging Rs. 75,000 crore debt burden from the previous BJP government. The restoration of OPS benefits 1.36 lakh employees, providing them dignity, security, and confidence.

Detailing the progress in clearing arrears, the Chief Minister said:

• Pensioners and family pensioners aged 75 and above have received full arrears, compared to only 20% paid by the previous government.
• Pensioners aged 70 and above have received 70% of arrears, with the remaining 30% to be cleared within 40 days.
• Those aged 65 to 70 have received 38% arrears, representing an additional 18% over the previous regime’s payment, costing Rs. 75 crore.
• Pensioners below 65 years have received 35% arrears, with the government paying an extra 15%, at a cost of Rs. 110 crore.

He also noted that 20% gratuity arrears have been cleared for employees retired between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021. Regarding salary arrears, Rs. 50,000 has been paid as an installment to Class I–III employees and Rs. 60,000 to Class IV employees, costing Rs. 800 crore. An additional Rs. 20,000 was paid to Class IV employees on October 19, 2024, at a cost of Rs. 100 crore.

The Chief Minister highlighted a special provision for Class IV employees, granting one year of qualifying service for pension calculation in lieu of five years of daily-wage service. He assured that as revenue improves, pending arrears and liabilities of employees and pensioners will be cleared on priority, aiming for full clearance by 2027.

CM Sukhu also appealed to pensioners to support the government’s efforts to strengthen the state’s financial position amid serious fiscal challenges. He assured that the upcoming budget will include effective measures in the interest of pensioners.

On the occasion, the Mandi unit of the Pensioners Joint Front presented a cheque of Rs. 1 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

The Chief Minister further elaborated on initiatives for systemic reforms, including support for families displaced due to the Bhakra Dam project in Bilaspur. Criticizing the BJP-led central government, he said Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and others were not presenting correct figures regarding financial assistance to Himachal Pradesh, neglecting the state’s interests.

Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani welcomed the Chief Minister and noted the dedication of development projects worth Rs. 69 crore in Ghumarwin. State President of the Himachal Pradesh Pensioners Joint Front Atma Ram Sharma appreciated the financial benefits provided and highlighted pending demands of pensioners.

Other dignitaries present included Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, Political Advisor to the CM Sunil Sharma ‘Bittu’, Member of the State Women Commission Reena Pundir, Chairman APMC Satpal Vardhan, former MLAs Tilak Raj and Bumber Thakur, Congress leader Vivek Kumar, and office-bearers of the Pensioners Joint Front.

The event reaffirmed the government’s commitment to employees’ and pensioners’ welfare while highlighting fiscal discipline and systematic reforms.