Center will have to pay back Rs 9242.60 crore of Himachal employees in NPS: CM Sukhwinder Sukhu

Dharamsala, May 28, 2023: Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukhu, along with several ministers and MLAs, attended the 'Purani Pension Aabhar Rally' organized by Himachal Pradesh employees in Dharamshala. During the rally, the Chief Minister announced the fulfillment of one of the Congress party's promises made during the Himachal Legislative Assembly elections, which was the restoration of the old pension scheme for employees. Approximately 1.50 lakh employees are benefiting from the old pension scheme under the present state government.

Highlighting his personal connection to the struggles of government employees as the son of a government employee himself, the Chief Minister emphasized that the restoration of the old pension scheme was prioritized in the first cabinet meeting after the formation of the new government. He assured that the benefits of the old pension scheme would also be extended to board-corporation employees, and corporations that have been excluded from this scheme would be included in due course.

Furthermore, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukhu addressed the issue of retrieving the deposits of Rs 9,242.60 crore from the National Pension Scheme (NPS) with the central government. He expressed the government's determination to reclaim this amount, stating that it is their right and they will fight for it. The Chief Minister mentioned that he would be visiting Delhi to discuss the matter with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and that the state government, in collaboration with the employees, would advocate for their rights. He also raised the issue during the NITI Aayog meeting.

The Chief Minister highlighted efforts to revitalize the debt-ridden Himachal economy, including implementing cess on water, auctioning liquor contracts, and various initiatives to increase income and improve the state's financial condition. He urged employees to expedite project implementation, as delayed projects have hindered the progress of Himachal Pradesh. The Chief Minister also expressed the government's commitment to cease purchasing power from other states within the next two years. Additionally, the budget includes environmentally friendly initiatives, such as promoting green hydrogen and encouraging the use of electric vehicles. The conversion of all diesel buses operated by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) into e-buses is planned to be completed within three years.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri mentioned the growing influence of the old pension scheme in Himachal Pradesh, citing its success in Karnataka, where the Congress party came to power. He expressed confidence in the Congress party's return to power in the upcoming assembly elections in five states.

During the rally, the Chief Minister paid his respects at the Hanuman Temple in Police Line Dharamshala before joining the event. He also honored a 102-year-old individual and his wife, symbolizing respect for the elderly. NPS employees warmly welcomed the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Assembly Speaker, Cabinet Ministers, and Congress MLAs. The restoration of the old pension scheme generated tremendous enthusiasm among the employees. During the event, NPS personnel presented a check of Rs 31 lakh to the Mukhyamantri Sukhashray Yojana. Various dignitaries, including ministers, MLAs, government officials, and representatives from employee associations, were present on the occasion.