Munish Sood
Mandi
Thousands of retired employees from Himachal Pradesh’s corporate sector have intensified their long-pending struggle for pension restoration by forming a united platform titled the Himachal Pradesh Corporate Sector Pensioners Joint Front. The decision was taken at a major state-level convention held in Mandi today , where pensioners warned the government of a stronger agitation if their demands continue to be ignored.
The convention marked a decisive shift in the movement, with the dissolution of the earlier Coordination Committee and Action Committee and the unanimous formation of a new state executive body. The pensioners also resolved to jointly meet the Chief Minister along with pensioner leader Atma Ram’s group to seek immediate redressal of their demands.
New State Executive Announced
Following a democratic process, veteran leader B.S. Chauhan was unanimously elected State President. Joginder Sarta was appointed Senior Vice President, while N.K. Bali was entrusted with the responsibility of General Secretary.
To strengthen public outreach, Kamlesh Shandil was appointed Chief Spokesperson. Kewal Chauhan was made Chief Organising Secretary and Daulat Thakur was appointed Chief Cashier. The organisation clarified that presidents and general secretaries from all districts will be part of the state executive, ensuring mobilisation at the grassroots level.
6,730 Families Facing Uncertain Future
Addressing the media, State President B.S. Chauhan said the pension scheme in the corporate sector was implemented from April 1, 1999, but discontinued for employees retiring after November 30, 2004, leaving thousands of retirees without social security.
“Only employees who retired between 1999 and 2004 are currently receiving pension benefits. Those who retired after 2004 have been denied this right. At present, nearly 6,730 retired employees are affected, while **627 pensioners have already passed away while waiting for their dues,” Chauhan said.
‘Fulfil Your Election Promise’
The pensioners recalled that the Chief Minister had assured pension restoration during a public programme held on August 18. Raising the slogan ‘Fulfil your promise, Chief Minister’, the retirees said they had dedicated their lives to the service of the state and its corporations but are now struggling for financial security in old age.
Apart from pension restoration, the convention also demanded immediate release of pending medical allowance arrears with effect from January 1, 2016, citing rising healthcare expenses.
Pension Is a Right, Not Charity
Newly elected State President Bhim Singh Chauhan said pension is not a favour but a constitutional right of employees.
“The Chief Minister himself has said that he is the son of a pensioner. We are confident that he will honour the commitment made to retired corporate sector employees, just as he fulfilled the promise of restoring the old pension scheme,” Chauhan said.
The Joint Front has decided to launch a district- and block-level mobilisation drive to unite retired employees across the state. A delegation led by pensioner leader Atma Ram will meet the Chief Minister between January 18 and 20 to press for immediate action.
