Power board pensioners demand pending dues
Pensioners of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB) are grappling with financial hardships due to the government’s inaction, said Kuldeep Singh Kharwara, vice-president of the Electricity Board Pensioners’ Forum. Speaking at a state-level meeting, Kharwara criticised the board management for failing to honour commitments made in 2022 to pay amended perks. Pensioners are still awaiting arrears exceeding Rs 50,000 and 20% gratuity dues.
The state government had announced the release of pending funds for pensioners over 75 years of age in one go and in installments for others. However, no progress has been made despite assurances during a meeting on November 19. Kharwara accused the board and government of financial mismanagement, asserting that only Rs 9 crore is required to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for the board, while Rs 49 crore is deposited annually in the NPS fund.
He called for the immediate implementation of OPS and criticised the board’s decision to open new offices instead of addressing staff shortages at the lower level, which affects power supply quality. Kharwara also condemned the privatisation of the board, warning that it would harm power supply and benefit only influential corporate houses.
