Himachal pensioners threaten protest over delay in pension disbursement

Dharamshala, September 30, 2024: The Himachal Pradesh Pensioners Welfare Association has strongly opposed the state government's decision to delay the disbursement of pensions until October 9. The association has warned that if the September pension is not released by October 1, pensioners will take to the streets in protest during the first week of October. 

Senior Vice President of the state association and Kangra District President, Suresh Thakur, made the announcement, calling on the government to address several pressing financial issues for retired employees.

Among the key demands, Thakur insisted that the pension for September be paid by October 1. He also urged the immediate payment of revised gratuity, leave encashment, and commutation arrears for employees who retired between January 2016 and January 2022. Additionally, the association is demanding the release of three pending installments of dearness allowance (DA) at a 12% rate. Pensioners who retired before December 2015 should, according to the association, receive financial benefits at the rate of 50% and 30% pay matrix.

Thakur also highlighted the need for the immediate formation of a Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) for pensioners, re-implementation of the Himcare health insurance scheme for pensioners, and a special provision in the state budget for the settlement of long-pending medical bills. Another major demand is the reduction of the 15-year commutation limit to 10 years, aligning with policies in Punjab and Haryana. The association further urged the prompt resolution of pending revised pension cases stuck in the AG office, Shimla.

The association made it clear that pensioners are not asking for new benefits but merely seeking the financial entitlements due to them, such as the revised pay scale and the overdue DA installments. Despite repeated requests, the government has shown reluctance in addressing these demands, particularly in forming the JCC, according to the pensioners. Thakur accused the government of trying to divert attention from these unresolved issues by scheduling pension disbursement for October 9.

The pensioners' association expressed frustration over the government's failure to curb its own expenses while imposing austerity measures on pensioners. Thakur criticized the government for making "false announcements of freebies" and increasing salaries, pensions, and allowances for ministers, MLAs, and other officials. He blamed these decisions for the state's financial crisis, stating, "It is not the pensioners and employees who are draining the treasury, but the ministers, MLAs, CPS, and board and corporation chairmen who have exhausted the government's resources."

The association has urged the government to take immediate action to resolve these financial issues and avoid a confrontation with pensioners, many of whom have devoted their lives to public service.