HRTC pension delay hits retirees, sparks threat of Statewide stir
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, Jan 22,
Thousands of retired employees of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) are facing renewed financial stress as their monthly pensions remain unpaid beyond the usual deadline, triggering sharp criticism of the state government’s handling of the issue.
Calling the continued delay a bitter “New Year’s gift,” pensioners said payments not being released even after the 22nd of the month have disrupted household budgets and medical planning for elderly retirees who depend solely on pension income.
In a joint statement, the Road Transport Pensioners Welfare Organization accused the government of failing to evolve a permanent mechanism for timely pension disbursal, despite being in office for over two years. The organization alleged that while public assurances are routinely made about punctual payments, the required funds are not released on time, terming the approach misleading.
Senior office-bearers — state president K.C. Chauhan, vice president Surendra Gautam, president Devraj Thakur, general secretary Nanak Shandil and media in-charge Devendra Chauhan — claimed that the pension release file for the current month has reportedly remained pending at the Chief Minister’s level for nearly a week, with no decision taken.
The pensioners also flagged what they described as discriminatory treatment, pointing out that a three percent Dearness Allowance hike has been extended to other categories of employees, while HRTC pensioners have been left out of the benefit.
Further, they criticised the continuation of age-wise phased pension releases, stating that this practice persists despite earlier assurances by the HRTC Managing Director that pensions would be credited to all beneficiaries simultaneously.
Warning of escalation, the pensioners said that if the situation continues, they and their families would democratically boycott the government and the Congress party, and a joint statewide agitation would be launched in February.
The organization has appealed for immediate release of funds to ensure uninterrupted pension payments, stressing that delays at this stage of life amount to administrative insensitivity rather than a mere procedural lapse.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
