Himachal’s Forgotten Heroes: 25 Years Without Pension, Justice Still Elusive
Imagine dedicating 30 or even 40 years of your life to public service—only to retire into a life of poverty, ignored by the very system you helped run. That’s the harsh reality for over 7,000 retired employees from Himachal Pradesh’s state-run corporations who have been fighting for their pensions for more than two decades.
While politicians and senior bureaucrats enjoy plush post-retirement perks, these elderly pensioners—many now in their 70s and 80s—are left scrambling for basic needs. Some are battling serious illnesses without medical aid, others are doing menial labor just to survive. All are united by one thing: a broken promise.
The Beginning of the Betrayal
In 1999, the Himachal government introduced a pension scheme under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972. It was a hopeful step—finally bringing employees of state-run corporations on par with government staff. But that hope didn’t last.
In December 2004, the government introduced an arbitrary cut-off date. Anyone retiring after that would no longer be eligible for pension benefits—while those who retired before continued receiving them. Just like that, thousands of loyal employees were cut off from their rightful dues.
Two Decades of Legal Battles—and Disappointment
These pensioners didn’t give up. They went to court, arguing that the move violated their constitutional rights to equality and property. The Himachal High Court agreed with them in 2013. But in 2016, the Supreme Court overturned that decision, saying pension policies were up to the state.
Even after that setback, the retirees kept fighting. As recently as April 2025, the Supreme Court again refused to intervene—despite the state government having filed an affidavit in 2023 promising reconsideration.
“We Are Tired Now”: A Cry for Help
Govind Chitranta, one of the retired employees who has been at the forefront of this 25-year-long struggle, summed up the frustration:
“We are old, tired, and running out of time. We can’t afford more court cases or protests. All we want is what we were promised—a dignified life after retirement.”
He points out the cruel irony: politicians and top officials never face such battles for their benefits. “Even people who worked just a few years in some departments get pensions. But we who served our whole lives are left with nothing.”
Hope Betrayed, Again and Again
When the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government came to power in December 2022, it restored the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for over 3 lakh employees and pensioners. But for some reason, the 7,000 retired staff from corporations like the electricity board and transport department were left out—despite being from the same sectors.
Many are now suffering from cancer, paralysis, and other serious ailments, with no medical cover. Some have even taken up MNREGA labor work to make ends meet. It’s a glaring case of selective justice and bureaucratic indifference.
The Law Is on Their Side—So Why the Delay?
Legal experts say the 2004 decision isn’t just unfair—it’s probably illegal. Landmark Supreme Court cases like Deokinandan Prasad v. State of Bihar and D.S. Nakara v. Union of India make it clear: pensions are a right, not a favor.
Even the Himachal government’s own recent moves show inconsistency. If employees appointed before 2003 are now eligible under the restored OPS, why are corporate retirees from the same era still excluded?
Time Is Running Out
The courts have stepped aside. Now it’s up to the state government to act. A simple executive order could bring relief to thousands and end this injustice once and for all.
But every day of inaction costs lives.
This is no longer about money. It’s about dignity. It’s about justice. It’s about honoring decades of service.
The question that haunts these pensioners is simple—how much longer must they wait for the state to do the right thing?
