Himachal CM Announces 100 CBSE Schools, Arrears Payment For Employees On I-Day

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday announced the opening of 100 new CBSE schools across the state and several measures to clear employee and pension arrears. Sukhu made the announcements while addressing the state-level Independence Day function at Barsar in Hamirpur district, where he hoisted the national flag and took the salute from a parade led by Commander Pranav Chauhan. Police, India Reserve Battalion, Home Guards and other contingents participated in the ceremony.

The Chief Minister announced that an additional Rs 20,000 towards salary arrears would be paid to Class IV employees during the month. He also announced that Class III pensioners and family pensioners who retired between 2016 and 2021 would receive an additional 35 per cent of their pension and family pension arrears. Class I and Class II pensioners and family pensioners would receive 15 per cent of the arrears for the same period, with the government estimating an expenditure of Rs 281 crore on clearing the outstanding payments.

Sukhu also announced that 100 new CBSE schools would be opened across Himachal Pradesh from the next academic session. The move was announced alongside several measures concerning healthcare employees and pension-related matters. Doctors scheduled to retire between August 15 and March 31, 2027, would retire on March 31, 2027, according to the announcement made at the Independence Day function.

Also Read: Jammu And Kashmir Sends Kashmiri Pandit Employees On Leave After Terror Threat

The Chief Minister further announced an increase in the monthly incentive for 9,000 ASHA workers working under the National Health Mission from Rs 5,800 to Rs 6,800. NHM employees who have completed seven years of service following pay rationalisation would receive revised pay with effect from April 1. Outsourced staff nurses, pharmacists, operation theatre assistants and laboratory technicians under the NHM would receive revised remuneration of Rs 25,000 per month, while data entry operators would receive Rs 18,000 per month from September 1.

In another employment-related announcement, Sukhu said 4,000 posts across various categories would be filled in the Jal Shakti Vibhag. He also reiterated the government's commitment to addressing the concerns of government employees, pensioners, multi-task workers and outsourced staff. The Chief Minister noted the contribution of employees and pensioners to the state's development and said the government had restored the Old Pension Scheme for National Pension System employees while extending other benefits.

The Independence Day address combined announcements on education, employee payments, pensions, healthcare staffing and recruitment with the government's broader welfare agenda. Sukhu said the concerns of multi-task workers and outsourced employees were being examined and that the government was considering a policy to provide them with appropriate benefits. The measures announced at Barsar focused on clearing financial dues, strengthening public-sector employment and expanding educational and healthcare support across Himachal Pradesh.

Also Read: Rekha Gupta Highlights Courage And Sacrifices Of Freedom Fighters On I-Day