Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Assures Pension Arrears Clearance by 2027

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu pledged to clear all pension arrears by 2027 and include pensioner welfare decisions in the budget. The state has spent Rs 2,155 crore to address arrears, despite facing fiscal challenges. The government aims to restore the Old Pension Scheme, enhancing benefits for employees.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu committed to clearing all pension arrears by 2027 during the Pensioners' Day event in Bilaspur. He emphasized the state's dedication to pensioner welfare in the upcoming budget, despite the fiscal hurdles it currently faces.

Sukhu outlined the government's achievements, noting that Rs 2,155 crore has been spent to clear past employee and pensioner arrears. Despite inheriting a Rs 75,000 crore debt, the government has reinstated the Old Pension Scheme, bringing financial security to 1.36 lakh employees.

He detailed systematic payments made to different age groups of pensioners, while addressing legislative plans to support families displaced by local projects. Sukhu criticized the central government for insufficient financial support, urging transparency from Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda.

(With inputs from agencies.)