Mahinder Patyal
Bharmour
The Pensioners’ Welfare Association, Bharmour Unit, convened its monthly meeting at Chaurasi Hotel, Bharmour, under the chairmanship of Unit President Dheeraj Thakur. Pensioners from various villages and office bearers of the association participated, raising key issues and long‑pending demands before the government and administration.
A major concern highlighted was the absence of a permanent office space for the association. Members recalled that former MLA Jiya Lal Kapoor had announced a dedicated room for the association in the Mini Secretariat, but the promise remains unfulfilled. Pensioners stressed that a proper office would help address senior citizens’ grievances more effectively.
The meeting also strongly raised the issue of disparity in Dearness Allowance (DA). While central government pensioners receive 60% DA, those in Himachal Pradesh are still limited to 45%, which members termed discriminatory. They urged the state government to bring parity with central norms.
Other matters discussed included health facilities, pending pension cases, difficulties faced by senior citizens in government offices, and social security concerns. Speakers emphasized that pensioners, having devoted their lives to public service, deserve priority attention to their problems.
Association leaders cautioned that if demands are not addressed soon, they may consider future agitation strategies, though for now they remain hopeful of resolution through dialogue.
The meeting was attended by Senior Vice President Chain Singh Thakur, General Secretary Kishan Singh, Cashier Makhori Ram, and several members. The session concluded with a collective pledge to safeguard pensioners’ interests and raise their voice more effectively.
