1.8 lakh Himachal pensioners to finally get pension today, Sukhu govt saves Rs 75 lakh by delaying payment
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DHARAMSHALA: In a crucial move aimed at stabilising the state’s economy, the Himachal Pradesh government will disburse pension to around 1.8 lakh pensioners on Wednesday (October 9, 2024). Government officials have confirmed that all formalities had been completed, ensuring that sufficient cash reserves were available in the state treasury to facilitate the distribution of pensions.
The Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government’s decision to release pensions on the 9th has allowed the state government to save approximately Rs 75 lakh. Government employees received their salaries on the 1st of the month, compared to 5th last month. The pensions in September were disbursed on the 10th, but the pattern has shifted by a day this time.
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Pensioners express discontent over delay
Despite the state’s efforts to manage its finances, the delay in pension disbursement has not gone down well with pensioners, who have launched a campaign demanding pensions to be paid on the 1st of each month, along with the prompt release of arrears from the revised pay scale.
As part of their ongoing campaign, pensioners have been submitting memorandums to ministers and MLAs across the state, outlining their grievances. A few days ago, they presented a memorandum to Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh in Shimla, urging swift pension disbursal.
They warned that failure to address their concerns could result in statewide protests, with ministers being confronted one by one in the days ahead.
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Financial strain on the state
The state government faces a significant financial burden, requiring Rs 2,000 crore every month to meet salary and pension obligations. Of this amount, Rs 1,200 crore is allocated for employee salaries, while approximately Rs 800 crore is spent on pension payments. The delay in pension disbursal, while aimed at balancing the books, has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among the pensioner community, adding to the state’s fiscal challenges.
