Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, October 17
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur on Friday accused the Himachal Pradesh government of failing on multiple fronts, saying the state’s pensioners are forced to protest for their rights even as the country celebrates Diwali. In a sharply worded statement, Thakur said pensioners have been demonstrating for months, but their demands remain unaddressed. “While the Chief Minister questions his own ministers’ performance, pensioners are suffering on the streets,” he said, adding that internal political disputes will not resolve their issues.
He criticised the government for what he called misleading advertisements and “factless” claims of success, saying the real cost of its failures is being borne by ordinary people. He added that the government has yet to compensate the damage caused by recent natural disasters, despite the monsoon season having ended.
He highlighted that many pensioners have not received reimbursement for medical bills in three years, despite rising healthcare costs in old age. “Denying basic medical support to those who served the state all their lives is a sign of this government’s insensitivity,” he said.
He also accused the administration of withholding funds from HIMCARE, thereby undermining citizens’ right to healthcare. Thakur urged the government to address pensioners’ grievances seriously.
Extending his Diwali greetings, he wished health and prosperity to the people of Himachal Pradesh.
