Shimla, February 21:
The Government of Himachal Pradesh has withdrawn its earlier instructions regarding the counting of contractual service for pensionary benefits.
According to an official communication issued by the Finance (Pension) Department, the government has ordered the withdrawal of instructions contained in letter No. Fin(Pen)E(1)-1/2020 dated February 16, 2026. The withdrawn instructions had provided clarification on counting contractual service for pension benefits in terms of the earlier Office Memorandum dated June 10, 2024, issued in the Sheela Devi case.
The latest order, dated February 21, 2026, states that the instructions issued on February 16, 2026, stand withdrawn with effect from the date of their issuance.
The notification was issued by Saurabh Jassal, Special Secretary (Finance) to the Government of Himachal Pradesh, under the directions of the Governor.
The order has been addressed to all Administrative Secretaries and Heads of Departments in the state for necessary compliance.
The development is expected to have implications for employees seeking the inclusion of their contractual service period for pensionary benefits, though further clarification from the government is awaited.
