State-wide pensioners’ protest in Himachal over long-pending benefits on Oct 14

A wave of discontent is brewing among retired government employees in the state as thousands of pensioners prepare to take to the streets on October 14, demanding long-overdue financial and welfare benefits.

The Himachal Pradesh Pensioners Joint Front has called for a state-wide protest, including ‘dharnas’ (sit-ins), at all district headquarters. As part of the agitation, Chhanani in Mandi is expected to witness a major gathering.

In a joint statement issued by state convenor Harish Sharma and state chairman Atmaram Sharma, the organisation expressed deep resentment over the government’s “continued neglect of pensioners’ concerns”.

They said retirees had been waiting for the implementation of financial benefits recommended by the 6th Pay Commission, which remain unpaid since 2016. “Pensioners who retired between 2016 and 2022 are particularly affected. The government owes crores of rupees in arrears to these individuals,” the state convenor said.

He added that medical reimbursement claims were pending, dearness allowance (DA) instalments remained unpaid, and Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) meetings had not been convened to address these grievances.

In light of this, pensioners from across Mandi district — over 15,000 pensioners including representatives of 15 subdivisions — will converge at Chhanani to take part in the protest. Various departmental pensioners’ associations are also expected to join the demonstration.

Cop body backs agitation

The Police Pensioners Welfare Association has backed the October 14 protest. During a state-level event held at Bhima Kali Temple, Bhuli, district general secretary Krishan Singh Thakur said all police pensioners would participate in the upcoming protest.