HRTC pensioners protest delay in pension disbursal

The Retired Employees Association of Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), Baijnath-Joginder Nagar Zone, staged a protest on Tuesday against the HRTC management for failing to disburse pensions on time. The protest was marked by a meeting held in Baijnath, presided over by the association’s president, KL Purhoit.

The office-bearers and speakers expressed resentment over the non-payment of pensions for April, which, as of today, remains pending. The pensioners lamented that the irregular disbursement of pensions had severely disrupted their lives, as many of them rely solely on the monthly pension for their livelihood.

Purhoit highlighted the plight of nearly 200 employees who retired in March last year, stating that neither their monthly pensions nor their retirement dues have been released so far. “It’s been over two-and-a-half years since medical bills were submitted by pensioners, yet no reimbursements have been made. Moreover, arrears under the revised pay scale remain unpaid, while pensioners in other government departments have already received two instalments,” he said.

The association warned that it would be forced to take direct action if the HRTC management fails to disburse pensions and other dues without further delay. It also appealed to the CM to intervene and help the HRTC overcome its current financial crisis.