BJP Stands Firmly With Retired Employees in Their Struggle; Will Ensure Their Legitimate Rights When BJP Forms Government: Dr. Rajeev Bindal
Shimla: Bharatiya Janata Party State President Dr. Rajeev Bindal launched a sharp attack on the Congress government over the plight of retired employees in Himachal Pradesh, stating that almost every section of society is distressed by the functioning of the present government. He said the most unfortunate situation is that of retired employees who devoted 30 to 40 years of their lives to serving Himachal Pradesh and are now being forced to take to the streets for their legitimate rights and pending financial benefits.
Dr. Bindal said it was extremely shameful that senior citizens aged 70, 75, 80 and even 90 years were being compelled to leave their homes and participate in protests for their pensionary benefits. Those who dedicated decades of their lives to the service of the state are being forced to struggle for what is rightfully theirs, while the Chief Minister, ministers and MLAs of the Congress government remain unmoved by their concerns.
He said nearly 8,000 retired employees had gheraoed the Vidhan Sabha in Dharamshala, while demonstrations have been taking place continuously across various districts. Now, thousands of retired employees have gathered outside the Vidhan Sabha in Shimla to raise their demands.
Dr. Bindal said elderly retired employees are travelling from far-flung areas such as Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba and Kangra to reach Shimla and protest outside the Assembly, yet the government has failed to respond to their grievances.
He alleged that instead of resolving the problems faced by retired employees, the Congress government was engaged in making false claims and misleading the people. Withholding financial benefits earned by employees after decades of public service amounts to grave injustice, he said.
Dr. Bindal stated that several dues of retired employees, including pensionary benefits, 15 per cent arrears, DA, gratuity, leave encashment, commutation and pay arrears, remain pending. As these liabilities continue to accumulate, individual retirees are suffering substantial financial losses. He added that retired employees are also facing difficulties in getting their medical reimbursement bills cleared.
He said there are approximately 1.85 lakh retired employees in Himachal Pradesh, and the government must show sensitivity towards their rights and concerns. Employees who spent their entire working lives contributing to the development of Himachal Pradesh deserve to receive their legitimate financial benefits on time.
Dr. Bindal said retired employees were not seeking any favour from the government; they were demanding benefits and rights earned through years of service. Repeatedly forcing elderly citizens to protest on the streets raises serious questions about the priorities and functioning of the Congress government.
The BJP State President said the Bharatiya Janata Party strongly condemns the treatment being meted out to retired employees by the present Congress government and stands firmly with them in their struggle.
Dr. Bindal assured the retired employees that when the BJP forms the government in Himachal Pradesh, it will work with full commitment to ensure that they receive their legitimate rights and pending benefits.