Himachal CM Addresses Employee Demands: DA and Arrears Review Planned

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met with various Himachal Pradesh employee associations, assuring them of a review of their demands, including the release of Dearness Allowance (DA) and arrears. Sukhu highlighted financial challenges and promised sincere efforts for employee welfare and state revenue enhancement.

Delegations from several Himachal Pradesh Non-Gazetted Employees and Teachers Associations met Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday to present their demands. Sukhu reiterated that all state government officers are valued family members and pledged to sympathetically consider their genuine requests.

Addressing the demand for the release of Dearness Allowance (DA) and employee arrears, Sukhu promised to review the state's financial situation within a month, with a follow-up meeting planned for late September 2024. He stated that the government intends to release DA and other benefits as financial conditions improve.

Instructions have been given to profit-making boards and corporations to release DA and arrears, ensuring financial benefits for employees. Sukhu called on state employees to collaborate with the government to protect the state's interests. He emphasized the current administration's commitment to public welfare and efforts to boost state revenue resources.

He accused the previous BJP government of freezing DA installments, while the current administration has released 7% DA and is paying arrears to pensioners over 75. The Congress government, Sukhu asserted, is dedicated to government employees' welfare.

Sukhu mentioned that Rs 9200 crore in NPS funds are pending with the Central Government, while Rs 10,000 crore in disaster relief has been approved but not disbursed. He highlighted that the state also inherits Rs 10,000 crore in employee liabilities from the previous administration. Restrictions from the Union Government related to the Old Pension Scheme reinstatement have resulted in a capped loan limit and reduced revenue deficit grants.

The Chief Minister also assured that pay discrepancies would be corrected and vacancies filled for smooth departmental operations. Employee associations expressed gratitude for restoring the Old Pension Scheme and requested a Joint Consultative Committee meeting.

Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sanjay Awasthy, and several association leaders, including Pradeep Thakur, Trilok Thakur, and Lokender Thakur, were present.

(With inputs from agencies.)