Jairam lobbying for implementation of Unified Pension Scheme : Congress
MLA’s Chandershekhar and Bhuvneshwar Gaur have criticized Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur’s recent meetings with Union Ministers and not advocating for the rights of the state. They said that the leader of the opposition is working against the interests of the state. They claimed that instead of securing benefits for the state, Jai Ram Thakur is trying to stop rightful funds and resources of the state.
They said that whenever Jai Ram Thakur meets Union Ministers, the financial support meant for Himachal Pradesh gets blocked. He must explain to the people of the state whether he stands with them or against them.
The MLAs also accused Sh. Thakur for lobbying for the implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) in Himachal Pradesh. They pointed out that the state government has reinstated the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government employees, a move that BJP leaders are unable to accept. Instead, they are conspiring against state employees by pressuring the Centre to enforce UPS. They further stated that rather than ensuring the return of nearly Rs. 9,000 crore stuck with the Centre Government under the New Pension Scheme (NPS) Jai Ram Thakur has failed to raise this critical issue.
They highlighted that due to the implementation of OPS, the central government has imposed financial restrictions on Himachal Pradesh. The borrowing of the state limit has been reduced to Rs. 6,600 crore, and externally aided projects have been capped at Rs. 2,900 crore over three years. They urged the Leader of the Opposition to demand the removal of these restrictions from the centre government instead of working against the interests of the state.
They also criticized the Centre for failing to provide financial assistance to Himachal Pradesh in the wake of the massive natural disaster the state faced in 2023. They noted that despite an assessment by the central team, which recommended a relief package of Rs.10,000 crore to the state the centre government has not released even a single penny so far.
