SHIMLA-06 March, 2026-Addressing the quarterly meeting of the Himachal Pensioners United Front here today, Naresh Chauhan Principal Media Advisor to the Chief Minister, emphasized that the struggle for pensioners rights should be viewed through a lens of collective welfare rather than political affiliation.
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to engage with the veteran community, he lauded their lifelong dedication, noting that these individuals spent their most productive years-from their youth until retirement, the service of the state and nation. He highlighted that even after retirement, their continued advocacy for their rights remains a testament to their resilience.
Sh. Chauhan remarked that this forum serves as a vital platform for voicing the concerns of lakhs of pensioners residing across diverse regions, from Rohru and Jubbal-Kotkhai to Mandi. He urged the various pensioner organizations to maintain a unified front, asserting that their strength lies in solidarity. He acknowledged the immense contribution of former government employees and assured them that the current administration recognizes the legitimacy of their grievances, particularly regarding the resolution of long-standing issues.
Reflecting on the state’s fiscal health, the Media Advisor pointed out that the present government inherited a challenging financial legacy marked by significant liabilities left by the previous administration. He noted that thousands of crores in arrears related to the Sixth Pay Commission for both employees and pensioners remained pending. He explained that while the state received special grants and Revenue Deficit Grants (RDG) from the Central Government, several previous announcements had been made without adequate financial provisions, necessitating difficult corrective measures and de-notifications by the current leadership.
He further underscored the critical importance of the Revenue Deficit Grant for hilly states like Himachal Pradesh, stating that the government has been proactive in raising this issue with the Centre, even convening a special assembly session to discuss these financial complexities. To bolster the state's economy, he highlighted strategic decisions such as the open auction of liquor vends, which generated an additional ₹460 crore in its first year, and the firm stance taken on securing rights related to the state’s water resources.
Defending the government's pro-employee stance, Mr. Chauhan described the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) as a landmark decision driven by respect for the future of employees rather than political opportunism. He argued that if the move were purely political, it would have been delayed until the election year. Regarding pending arrears, he informed the gathering that payments are being released in a phased manner, starting with pensioners over 75 years of age, with those over 70 now being prioritized. He reassured the members that as the state's financial condition continues to stabilize, all remaining demands will be met systematically.
Concluding his address, Mr. Chauhan promised to facilitate a high-level meeting between a delegation of the Pensioners United Front and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to ensure their concerns are heard directly at the highest level of governance. The meeting saw the participation of key figures, including Atma Ram Sharma, President of the Himachal Pensioner United Front, Mandi Coordinator Harish Sharma, General Secretary Hukum Singh Thakur, and Corporate Sector Chairman B.S. Chauhan, along with several other prominent members.