Pensioners protest delay in arrears

Pensioners of Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University held a protest on Friday against the delay in disbursement of pensions and arrears. A large number of retirees gathered at Ganesh Bhavan on the university campus, carrying banners and raising slogans against the government.

Ritu Raj Mehta, spokesperson for the Pensioners Association, Himachal, said the protest was prompted by the government’s failure to ensure timely pension payments. He noted that last month’s pension was released late and urged the government to ensure that pensions are disbursed on the 1st of every month. He also alleged that many pensioners have yet to receive arrears related to the implementation of the 6th Pay Commission.

Mehta added that the situation is even more difficult for employees who retired on or after January 1, 2024, as many have not received their leave encashment or gratuity benefits. “They are now being made to wait even for their pension,” he said. The protestors claimed they had given the state government adequate time to constitute a committee to address their grievances, but no action was taken, leaving them with no option but to protest.