Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, October 15
Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) pensioners staged a massive protest in Shimla on Wednesday over non-payment and delays in pension and other financial dues. The pensioners allege that despite the Government of Himachal Pradesh coming to power on the promise of restoring the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), employees who retired after April 2024 have not received pension benefits. Around 250 retired employees are yet to get their pension, while thousands face delays in monthly payments. September’s pension has also not been released.
In addition to delayed pensions, the arrears from the 2016 pay scale revision, dearness allowance, and medical reimbursements remain unpaid.
HRTC Pensioner Joint Struggle Committee president Devraj Thakur said financial liabilities worth crores are pending with the state government. He criticised the government for not fulfilling the commitments made during HRTC’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
With more than 8,000 pensioners in the state, the committee has warned of an intensified agitation if their demands are not met soon.
