Barsar (Hamirpur): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday announced financial and employment-related measures for government employees, pensioners and workers during the state-level Independence Day celebrations at Barsar in Hamirpur district.
Among the major announcements, the Chief Minister said that Class-III pensioners and family pensioners who retired between 2016 and 2021 would receive 35 per cent of their outstanding pension and family pension arrears, while Class-I and Class-II pensioners and family pensioners would receive 15 per cent of their arrears this month.
The government will incur an expenditure of ₹281 crore on these payments, Sukhu said.
He also announced that Class-IV employees would receive an additional ₹20,000 towards salary arrears within the current month.
4,000 posts to be filled in Jal Shakti Department
In a major employment-related announcement, the Chief Minister said the government would initiate the process to fill 4,000 posts of various categories in the Jal Shakti Department.
The announcement is expected to provide employment opportunities to a large number of candidates and strengthen the workforce in the department.
Relief for NHM employees and workers
Sukhu also announced an increase in the monthly incentive for around 9,000 ASHA workers working under NHM Himachal Pradesh. Their monthly incentive will rise from ₹5,800 to ₹6,800, in accordance with the state government’s budgetary commitment.
He further announced that NHM employees who have completed seven years of service after pay rationalisation would be provided revised pay with effect from April 1, 2026.
The government also announced revised monthly remuneration for outsourced employees working under NHM Himachal Pradesh. Staff Nurses, Pharmacists, Operation Theatre Assistants and Laboratory Technicians will receive ₹25,000 per month, while Data Entry Operators will receive ₹18,000 per month. The revised remuneration will come into effect from September 1, 2026.
Sukhu said government employees and pensioners had made an invaluable contribution to the development of Himachal Pradesh and assured that his government was committed to protecting their interests.
He reiterated that the government had restored the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for NPS employees and was extending other benefits to them.
Addressing the concerns of Multi-Task Workers and outsourced employees, the Chief Minister said the government was examining all aspects of their issues and considering a policy to provide them with appropriate benefits.
The announcements were made during the state-level Independence Day function at Barsar in Hamirpur district, where Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu hoisted the National Flag and took the salute from the impressive march-past.
The parade was led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Pranav Chauhan, the Parade Commander. Contingents from the State Police, IRB Dhaulakuan, IRB Pandoh, Hamirpur District Police, Haryana Police, Women Police, Home Guards and Traffic Police participated in the parade.
The Police Band and Home Guard Band added to the grandeur of the Independence Day celebrations.
