Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday directed government departments to clear pending medical reimbursement claims of serving and retired employees, along with arrears of Class-IV pensioners, within the next four days.
Strict Implementation Ordered
Presiding over a meeting of administrative secretaries, Sukhu instructed the departments to strictly implement the directions and submit a compliance report to the Chief Minister's office. He said all drawing and disbursing officers must be held accountable for any delay or negligence in clearing dues.
Relief for Apple Growers
Sukhu also directed the release of Rs 20 crore under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) to clear pending payments of small apple growers in the hill state. He said the government was committed to ensuring welfare schemes reach all eligible beneficiaries without any delay.
Review of Departmental Functioning
Reviewing the functioning of various departments, Sukhu said the state government was giving top priority to public welfare and financial relief measures. He said the announcement regarding payment of arrears to Class-IV pensioners, made on April 15, should be implemented.
Crackdown on Drug Abuse
The Chief Minister also reviewed the government's ongoing campaign against drug abuse and trafficking. He said strict action would continue against government employees found involved in drug-related activities.
Sukhu informed that 31 government employees had been dismissed from service after they were found guilty in drug trafficking cases. He further said 122 government officials were so far found involved in heroin-related cases, and directed administrative secretaries to initiate strict action against the accused employees.
