Board bows in respect to pensioners: “They are our living history”
S Gopal Puri
Dharamshala
In a landmark move, the Himachal Pradesh School Education Board has rewritten the script of respect and gratitude for its retired employees. At a solemn ceremony in Dharamshala, Board Chairman Dr. Rajesh Sharma not only praised the lifelong contribution of pensioners but also made a declaration that drew thunderous applause: “From now on, pensions will be disbursed before salaries of current employees.”
Honoring the past, shaping the future
Dr. Sharma, visibly moved, said the Board’s achievements stand firmly on the dedication and honesty of its former staff. Calling pensioners the Board’s “living history,” he emphasized that the institution can never repay the debt owed to its teachers and colleagues who laid the foundation of education in the state. The event, he stressed, was not a mere formality but a heartfelt tribute to those who strengthened the roots of learning.
Technology to end bureaucratic hurdles
To ensure pensioners no longer face the ordeal of running from office to office, the Board is set to adopt a digital-first approach. Dr. Sharma announced the development of an online system where retirees can track the status of their files, pensions, and medical bills from home. The initiative promises a transparent, time-bound process to eliminate delays and inconvenience.
Dialogue, not just ceremony
The Chairman assured that this respect would not be limited to a single event. A regular channel of communication between pensioners and the Board will be established, inviting suggestions and experiences to make the system more humane and accountable. The ceremony concluded with pensioners from across the state being honored for their service, marking a new chapter of gratitude and reform.
