Uproar in Himachal Assembly over re-employment, HRTC pension delays
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source Internet
Shimla, Aug 29,
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Friday turned stormy as opposition members raised sharp objections over the state government’s decision to re-employ a large number of officials, even as pension and salary payments of Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) employees continued to face delays.
During Question Hour, BJP MLAs Satpal Singh Satti and Vikram Thakur pressed the government for answers, alleging that details of re-employment were being concealed from the House. Satti remarked that pensioners were being forced to wait anxiously for their monthly dues, accusing the government of misplaced priorities. “When regular employees and retirees are not being paid on time, how can the government justify expanding re-employment?” he asked.
Thakur echoed these concerns, pointing out that courts had restricted extensions even at the level of Executive Engineer, yet the government was inducting more re-employed personnel.
Responding to the opposition’s charge, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who also handles the transport portfolio, defended the government’s stance. He said that the data on re-employed staff was voluminous and required time to be compiled, assuring members that the information would be furnished.
On the contentious issue of HRTC salaries and pensions, Agnihotri acknowledged the delays but insisted that corrective steps were underway. “Yes, there have been instances of delayed payments, but the government is committed to regularizing them. The matter is under discussion with the Finance Department. I want to inform the House that pensions of all HRTC employees have been released today, August 29,” he told the Assembly.
Agnihotri underlined that while both matters were significant, they should not be conflated. He assured that consistent efforts were being made to streamline the disbursal system and improve timely payments in the future.
About the Author
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.
