Pension arrears of 65-70 year age group to be cleared next month: Sukhu

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today presided over a meeting of the Finance Department and reviewed the financial situation of the State. He directed the department to withdraw the notification regarding the deferment of salaries, with the exception of the Chief Minister. He said that the arrears of the deferred salary would be released along with the full salary next month.

The Chief Minister said that the financial condition of the State has improved significantly due to the pragmatic policies and sustained efforts of the present State Government. He added that the State’s economy has shown encouraging results and Himachal Pradesh is steadily moving towards self-reliance. He further stated that the government has successfully plugged several loopholes that had led to financial leakages and corruption in the past, thereby strengthening the State’s fiscal position.

Sh. Sukhu directed the Finance Department to release the pending pension arrears of all pensioners in the 65-70 year age group. He said that the arrears would be disbursed next month. The Chief Minister assured that the State Government would make available all funds required for this purpose.

Reviewing the pending arrears and Dearness Allowance (DA) of employees, the Chief Minister said that government employees are the backbone of the State and the government remains committed to safeguarding their welfare and interests. He reiterated that the present State Government had restored the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to ensure the social and financial security of employees.

Sh. Sukhu said that following the restoration of OPS, the Union Government had withheld financial assistance amounting to Rs. 1,200 crore due to the State. He maintained that had this amount not been withheld, the State Government would have been in a position to clear the pending arrears of employees. Nevertheless, he said that the State Government is sympathetically considering the demands of employees.

Principal Secretary Finance Devesh Kumar, Secretary to the Chief Minister Ashish Singhmar, Special Secretary Finance Saurabh Jassal and other senior officers of the department were present in the meeting.