Good News For Pensioners: The State Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, resolved to issue amended pensions/family pensions to roughly 1.73 lakh pensioners/family pensioners in the state beginning February 1, 2022. From January 1, 2016, 1.30 lakh pensioners/family pensioners will have their pensions/family pensions revised as a result of this decision.
43,000 Employees To Receive Revised Pensions & Gratuity
In addition, approximately 43,000 employees who retired between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2021 will receive revised pensions and gratuities. From January 1, 2016, the minimum pension/family pension will increase from Rs. 3500 to Rs. 9000 per month.
Hike In Gratuity Limit From Rs 10 Lakh to Rs 20 Lakh
It also agreed to raise the gratuity limit from Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 20 lakh, effective January 1, 2016, which would also apply to NPS employees. State pensioners / family pensioners over the age of 80 will be entitled to an additional pension benefit based on their revised pension/family pension.
Cabinet To Spend Rs 250 Crore On Invalid Pension
The Cabinet has resolved to spend Rs. 250 crores on providing Invalid Pension and Family Pension to State Government NPS employees. From July 1, 2021, the Cabinet also determined to provide 31% dearness relief to retirees. The modification of pensions would result in an additional annual cost of Rs. 1785 crore.
Government To Offer Interim Relief To Pensioners
The state government has already offered interim relief to the pensioners in the amount of Rs. 1450.44 crore. It also approved the Governor's Address, which would be delivered in the H.P. Vidhan Sabha.
After reviewing the pandemic situation in the state of Himachal Pradesh, the State cabinet have decided to open all educational institutions in the state from February 17, 2022. It has also decided to open the gyms & cinema halls & all kinds of langar’s are also to be allowed.
