A delegation of the Himachal Pradesh Pensioners' Association met Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Shimla on Tuesday and submitted a comprehensive charter of demands. The association highlighted several unresolved issues affecting retired employees, including the non-payment of dearness allowance (DA) arrears and the delay in pension revision.
Key Demands Raised
The pensioners sought immediate release of pending DA instalments, which have been due since January 2020. They also demanded the revision of pension as per the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission, which has been implemented in many other states. Another major demand was the enhancement of the family pension to 60% of the last drawn salary, up from the current 30%.
Healthcare and Welfare Concerns
The association also raised concerns about inadequate healthcare facilities for pensioners. They requested the establishment of a dedicated pensioners' hospital in Shimla and the provision of free medical check-ups at all government hospitals. Additionally, they demanded the restoration of the old pension scheme (OPS) for state government employees recruited after 2003, a move that has been a contentious issue in the state.
CM's Assurance
Chief Minister Sukhu assured the delegation that the government would sympathetically consider their demands and take appropriate action at the earliest. He acknowledged the contributions of retired employees to the state's development and promised to address their grievances in a phased manner. The pensioners expressed cautious optimism but warned of intensified agitation if their demands were not met within a stipulated timeframe.
The meeting comes amid growing unrest among state government employees and pensioners, who have been staging protests across Himachal Pradesh. The state government, facing financial constraints, has been under pressure to resolve these issues while balancing its fiscal health.
