Shimla, Jan 13
Himachal Pradesh today became the fifth state in the country which have opted for Old Pension Scheme for its 1.36 lac employees. In a historical Cabinet meeting held at Shimla under the chairmanship of Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu moved the agenda to restore OPS to as many as 1.36L (approx) employees and around 23000 new pensioner holders, as the council of ministers approved the agenda.
The scheme shall be applicable with immediate effect, and notification in regard shall be done in a day or two, stated CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu while addressing media.
Earlier it was only West Bengal government giving OPS to employees and afterwards Congress ruled Chattisgarh, Rajasthan and AAP ruled Punjab restored this pension scheme and now Himachal Pradesh has become the fifth state.
Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that Government was committed for the decision, as it was a poll promise. “The Congress party has come out clear on its intention towards its employees, as we have implemented it in the first cabinet meeting, as committed,” he added.
In reply to question about the expense of the scheme on the State exchequer, the CM informed that in this financial year, the implementation of OPS will cost around 800 to 900 crores. Adding, that in years to come, this expense will increase.
The Chief Minister said that the pending arrears of the employees are still more than 9000 crores and that of DA is more than 1000 crores. He said that total arrears of Rs 11,000 crore are outstanding and the state has a debt of Rs 74,000 crore. In such a situation, the Chief Minister has sought time of 3 to 4 years from the employees for its payment.
“We have come to power, not to rule but to the change the arrangement,” concluded Sukhu.
Now employees are going to hold a mega victory rally of OPS at Mandi in which one lakh state employees would welcome Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
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