In a significant move addressing long-standing financial dues, the Himachal Pradesh government has disbursed a substantial sum to settle pending arrears for its workforce and retired personnel. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu revealed that the state has expended Rs 2,155 crore so far to clear salary, pension, and gratuity arrears, a commitment made despite grappling with severe financial constraints.
Honouring Pensioners and a Commitment to Welfare
Chief Minister Sukhu made the announcement while presiding over a state-level function of the Himachal Pradesh Pensioners Joint Front in Ghumarwin, Bilaspur district. He emphasized that Pensioners' Day was not just a ceremonial event but a genuine opportunity to honour the services, sacrifices, and dedication of retired employees who laid the strong administrative foundation of the hill state. Sukhu credited the strength of present-day institutions to the experience and tireless efforts of pensioners, assuring that the government remains eternally grateful for their contributions.
Reiterating his administration's commitment to employee welfare, the Chief Minister highlighted that the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) was restored in the very first Cabinet meeting after assuming office. This decision was taken despite inheriting a massive debt burden of Rs 75,000 crore from the previous BJP-led government. The restoration of OPS has provided social security and dignity to approximately 1.36 lakh employees in the state.
Breakdown of Arrears Disbursement
The Chief Minister provided a detailed breakdown of how the arrears have been distributed, prioritizing senior pensioners. According to the plan:
- Pensioners aged 75 and above have received 100% of their pension and family pension arrears.
- Pensioners above 70 years have been paid 70% of their arrears, with the remaining 30% slated for payment within the next 40 days.
- Those in the 65 to 70 years age bracket have received 38% of their pending arrears.
- Pensioners below 65 years have been paid 35% of their dues.
Regarding gratuity, the government has cleared 20% of the arrears for employees who retired between January 2016 and December 2021.
For salary arrears of serving employees, the government has disbursed Rs 50,000 to Class-I, II, and III employees, and Rs 60,000 to Class-IV employees. Additionally, Class-IV staff received a further Rs 20,000 in October 2024.
Future Roadmap and Additional Benefits
Looking ahead, Chief Minister Sukhu assured all stakeholders that the government is determined to clear all pending arrears by the year 2027, banking on an anticipated improvement in the state's revenue streams. This timeline provides a clear goalpost for employees and pensioners awaiting full settlement of their dues.
In another welfare-oriented announcement, Sukhu declared a measure to benefit Class-IV employees. The government has decided to count one year of qualifying service in lieu of five years of daily-wage service for the purpose of pension benefits. This policy change is expected to significantly aid numerous daily-wage workers in securing pension benefits after retirement.
The function was attended by several state ministers, legislators, representatives of pensioners' associations, and other dignitaries, underscoring the importance the current administration places on addressing the financial well-being of its present and past workforce.
