Himachal Pensioners’ body announces statewide campaign

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Pensioners allege pending dues remain unresolved, announce statewide campaign

Shimla, September 22

The Himachal Pradesh Pensioners’ Joint Struggle Committee on Tuesday rejected the state government’s notification on payment of pending arrears to employees who retired between January 1, 2016 and January 31, 2022, calling it an “eyewash” and “face-saving” exercise and announcing a statewide awareness campaign over unresolved pension-related demands.

Committee Additional General Secretary Bhup Ram Verma said the notification did not address the pensioners’ broader concerns and alleged that the government was attempting to mislead them. He claimed that similar notifications had been issued earlier as well.

Verma said the arrears would provide only limited relief, with Class-III employees expected to receive a few thousand rupees and Class-I and Class-II employees also receiving limited amounts.

He said pensioners have submitted 16 demands to the government and that the committee discussed each issue during a meeting. However, he alleged that the notification had already been signed before the meeting, questioning the government’s process.

The committee has also raised the issue of pending DA instalments. Verma questioned why elderly pensioners should not participate in protests when their dues remain unpaid, saying many pensioners in their 80s are still waiting for their financial entitlements.

The committee said it was holding discussions with employee organisations and indicated that pensioners and employees could jointly intensify their agitation. It announced a public awareness campaign in different parts of the state, including Kinnaur and Pangi.

The committee plans to organise a district-level programme in Theog on October 2 and form committees at the block and panchayat levels. Verma also mentioned the possibility of a “jail bharo” agitation as part of the campaign.

Raising the issue of pending retirement benefits, Verma claimed that dues of Class-I retired employees could range between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 35 lakh. He also cited complaints regarding pending gratuity and leave encashment for Class-IV pensioners.

The committee further raised concerns over pending DA instalments and issues related to commutation benefits, maintaining that several financial demands of pensioners remain unresolved despite repeated discussions with the government.