Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, October 14
Pensioners in the Himachal Pradesh have launched protests against the government over long-pending financial dues, warning of a larger agitation if their demands are not met. The Himachal Pradesh Joint Pensioners Front staged a sit-in protest in Shimla, accusing the government of failing to clear arrears pending since 2016, unpaid dearness allowance, and medical reimbursements. Protesters said the elderly are facing financial distress as their pensions are not released on time.
Front President Atma Ram Sharma said pensioners have been waiting for years for their arrears, but the government has shown no willingness to resolve the issue. “Dearness allowance of 16% is still pending, and medical bills worth crores have not been reimbursed. Pensioners’ patience has run out,” he said.
The protesters warned that if the government does not form a joint coordination committee and address their concerns soon, they will intensify their agitation with a state-wide protest.
