Shimla: A group of disgruntled pensioners gheraoed Himachal Pradesh’s Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh in Shimla on Saturday, protesting the non-payment of their pensions on time.
The pensioners, most of whom are elderly and reliant on these payments for their daily needs, expressed deep frustration over the government’s inaction despite multiple reminders.
The protesters, carrying placards and raising slogans, accused the state government of turning a blind eye to their plight. “We have served the state our entire lives. Now, when we need our rightful pension, the government is playing with our survival,” one of the protesters said.
In response, Anirudh Singh attempted to placate the crowd, assuring them that he would take up the issue with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. However, the pensioners remained adamant, demanding immediate resolution and submission of a formal memorandum to the Chief Minister, urging his intervention.
The protesters also warned of intensifying their agitation if their demands were not met soon, threatening statewide protests and a sit-in at the state capital.
This is not the first time pensioners in Himachal Pradesh have voiced their concerns over delays in pension disbursement. With the state already facing financial challenges, the issue has once again brought to light the difficulties faced by the most vulnerable sections of society.
