SHIMLA 25rd May, 2023
In a significant move aimed at ensuring social security for its employees, the state government, led by Chief Minister, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has assured to include the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) employees under the ambit of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and approximately 6,500 HPSEBL employees will be benefitted from this decision of the state government.
The Chief Minister highlighted the crucial role played by government employees in the progress and development of the state and said that in the very first cabinet meeting the state government accorded sanction to reinstate the old pension scheme, benefiting over 1.36 lakh state employees. By including HPSEBL employees in this scheme, the state government ensures that they will not be deprived of the benefits provided under the system, he said.
Moreover, the Chief Minister emphasized that the welfare of government employees is of utmost importance to the state government. As Himachal Pradesh continues to make rapid stride in the field of development, the well-being and empowerment of government employees will together remain our utmost priority, stated the Chief Minister. He said that by prioritizing their welfare, the government aims to enable these employees to contribute effectively to the overall development and growth of the state.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that in addition to the decision on the old pension scheme, the state government has implemented several other measures to enhance the well-being of government employees. He said that a three percent dearness allowance installment has been also released. Despite the challenging fiscal situation of the state, the government has adopted a balanced approach and is committed to maintaining the pace of development.
The Chief Minister said that while the previous BJP government made announcements, the actual financial benefits were not provided to employees, but the present government is determined to gradually clear all liabilities as the economic condition of the state improves.
