Himachal Pradesh is currently grappling with a severe financial crisis, causing delays in the salaries and pensions of government employees and retirees. For the first time in the state’s history, government employees did not receive their salaries on the first day of the month, and they had to wait until the 5th. Similarly, pensioners have also been facing delays in receiving their pensions, a situation that has sparked criticism of the state government.
Relief for Pensioners Today
Nearly 1.75 lakh pensioners in Himachal Pradesh, who have been waiting for their pensions for several days, are expected to receive relief today, the 10th of the month.
The state government has assured that by this afternoon, pensions will be credited to their accounts, bringing relief to thousands of retired employees who have been struggling to manage their expenses without their monthly payments. Once they receive the credit notification on their phones, pensioners will finally experience some relief.
Financial Crisis in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is facing a severe financial crunch, which has resulted in delayed payments to employees and pensioners. Beyond salaries, the state has also been unable to disburse DA (Dearness Allowance) and the arrears from revised pay scales. This financial strain has left both current and retired government employees in a difficult situation.
₹740 Crore to Arrive Today
To ease this financial burden, the state government is expecting ₹740 crore from the central government today, as part of its share in central taxes. This will help cover the pension payments. Additionally, on September 11, the state government will receive another ₹700 crore as a loan, further alleviating the financial stress. Currently, Himachal Pradesh’s loan limit stands at ₹2,317 crore, and after taking this loan, it will be reduced to ₹1,617 crore. The ₹700 crore loan is being secured for 15 years.
Impact of the Financial Crisis
Himachal Pradesh’s ongoing financial crisis highlights the need for better fiscal management and policy reform. The government must implement measures to stabilize its finances to ensure timely payment of salaries and pensions. Without such reforms, the financial health of the state will continue to impact government employees and pensioners, who rely on these payments for their daily needs.