Financial Relief for Employees and Pensioners
As the festive season approaches, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu unveiled significant financial benefits for state employees and pensioners. The government will credit a 3% Dearness Allowance (DA) to salaries and pensions in October, with payments finalized in November. Employees will also receive arrears for April to September 2025 in October, while separate orders will address pending payments from July 2023 to March 2025. This move aims to alleviate financial strain on workers, particularly those in the electricity board sector, following prolonged delays in compensation. The announcement came during the Biennial General Convention of the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board Employees Union, underscoring the government’s commitment to resolving long-standing grievances.
Reforms and Compensation for Outsourced Workers
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for systemic reforms in the state’s electricity sector, highlighting the disparity between operational costs and employee expenses. He directed the board to implement a compensation policy for outsourced staff in case of accidents, ensuring their welfare aligns with formal employees. Additionally, pending promotions were ordered for immediate clearance, addressing bureaucratic bottlenecks. Sukhu acknowledged external pressures from BJP leaders that influenced central government decisions, yet reaffirmed the state’s resolve to prioritize employee benefits despite economic challenges. The government has allocated Rs. 2200 crore to ensure financial stability for employees, with additional funds earmarked for medical reimbursements and pensions.
Infrastructure and Sectoral Reforms
Highlighting transformative changes, Sukhu detailed investments in education, health, and medical infrastructure. The state is replacing outdated machinery and modernizing medical colleges, with plans to introduce advanced technologies like PET Scans, 3-Tesla MRI machines, and robotic surgeries at Chamiana Hospital and Tanda Medical College. A Rs. 3000 crore investment aims to elevate healthcare standards, positioning Himachal Pradesh as a regional leader. In education, the state has improved rankings from 21st to 5th in quality education, while health sector reforms have similarly enhanced service delivery. The government is also bolstering rural economies through higher procurement prices for crops like wheat and natural farming produce.
Addressing Past Challenges and Future Goals
Sukhu criticized the previous BJP government for mismanagement, citing a Rs. 75,000 crore debt and Rs. 10,000 crore employee liabilities inherited by the current administration. He emphasized that the present government is focused on self-reliance, closing underperforming institutions while expanding quality education and healthcare. The Chief Minister also highlighted efforts to strengthen rural economies through agricultural support and infrastructure development. The event concluded with the release of the union’s souvenir, attended by key legislators and officials, symbolizing collective commitment to progress.
Event Highlights and Stakeholder Participation
The Biennial General Convention witnessed active participation from legislators, union leaders, and sectoral officials. Notable attendees included Congress leader Surender Mankotia, HPSEBL Chairman Prabodh Saxena, and union presidents. The gathering underscored the government’s focus on employee welfare, financial transparency, and sectoral reforms. With the compensation policy for outsourced staff and ongoing infrastructure projects, Himachal Pradesh aims to balance fiscal responsibility with developmental priorities, ensuring equitable benefits for all stakeholders.
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