Munish Sood
MANDI
The Him-Anchal Pensioners’ Association has accused certain rival leaders of attempting to mislead retirees in the state by forming a “Joint Advisory Committee” without consensus. In a strongly worded press note, Association President Yog Raj Sharma said that the move was nothing more than a ploy by former office-bearers, expelled more than a decade ago, to safeguard their “waning influence.”
Old Rift Surfaces Again
According to Sharma, the controversy dates back to 2013, when some office-bearers were expelled from the Association for what he described as “anti-association activities.” Since then, these individuals have remained on the sidelines of the pensioners’ movement. “Now, sensing their existence to be under threat, they are trying to misguide pensioners under the banner of unity,” Sharma said.
He alleged that these leaders were attempting to project themselves as champions of pensioners’ rights by calling for all associations to unite and struggle collectively. “Their real motive is not the welfare of pensioners but merely to protect their own presence,” he claimed.
Names Used Without Consent
The Association expressed serious objection to the list of members of the newly announced Joint Advisory Committee. The list, released recently, mentioned the names of Yog Raj Sharma, state president of the Him-Anchal Pensioners’ Association, and K.C. Gautam, district president of Hamirpur, without their approval.
“We condemn this act in the strongest terms. Including our names without consent shows how desperate they are to create an impression of legitimacy. This is a dishonest attempt to misguide pensioners,” Sharma said, warning the concerned leaders not to repeat such actions in the future.
Elections Scheduled for September 6
Amid the controversy, Sharma confirmed that the biennial elections of the Him-Anchal Pensioners’ Association will be held on September 6, 2025. He assured members that once the new executive committee takes charge, it will immediately begin consultations with the government to resolve long-pending financial demands of retirees.
“The new body will ensure that the genuine issues of pensioners are brought forward with strength. If required, the Association will not hesitate to take the toughest possible steps in the interest of our members,” Sharma declared.
Pensioners’ Concerns at the Core
While the press release focused on the controversy, it also underlined broader concerns facing pensioners in Himachal Pradesh. Rising healthcare costs, inflation-linked pension revisions, and pending arrears remain long-standing issues for retired employees in the state.
The Him-Anchal Pensioners’ Association claims to have been at the forefront of these struggles for decades. Founded as one of the oldest pensioners’ bodies in the state, it has repeatedly engaged with successive governments to secure economic and welfare-related relief for its members.
“Pensioners should not be swayed by false propaganda. Our Association has a history of fighting for retirees and remains fully capable of addressing their needs as per the requirements of the time,” Sharma said.
Appeal to Members
The state president urged all members to remain united and not get carried away by campaigns launched by rival groups. He reiterated that unity under one credible platform is crucial for achieving results. “The Him-Anchal Pensioners’ Association is not only the oldest but also the most experienced body. We have the organizational strength and the will to safeguard pensioners’ rights,” he emphasized.
The Road Ahead
The upcoming election on September 6 will be a decisive moment for the Association. Observers believe that the formation of the new executive will set the course for how strongly the pensioners’ movement positions itself in future negotiations with the state government.
For now, the Him-Anchal Pensioners’ Association has drawn a clear line of separation from the so-called Joint Advisory Committee and has sent out a message of reassurance to its members: trust the oldest body, stay away from misleading propaganda, and prepare for a renewed struggle for financial justice.
