Himachal CM announces arrears of pay revision to employees and pensioners

Shimla: The seventy-sixth Independence Day was celebrated in all parts of the state with great enthusiasm and traditional gaiety.
Main function was held at Sarahan village of Sirmaur district where the Chief Minister, Jai Ram Thakur was the chief guest. The Chief Minister hoisted the national flag and took salute from the contingents of State Police, Home Guards, NCC and NSS. DSP Pranav Chauhan commanded the parade.
While addressing the people on the occasion, Jai Ram Thakur announced the first installment of arrears of pay revision to the employees and pensioners of the State Government due to them from 1st January, 2016.
He said that the State Government would provide a benefit of Rs. 1000 crore on this account. He said that this would benefit about 2.25 lakh employees and 1.90 lakh pensioners which also include employees and pensioners of public sector undertakings. He said that employees and pensioners had got a benefit of Rs. 3500 crore due to revision of pay scale and pension.
The Chief Minister also announced revised pay scales to the employees working under Zila Parishad Cadre in Panchayati Raj Department of the State. This would benefit about 4000 employees.
Jai Ram Thakur announced that Panchayat Chowkidars who were providing 12 years continuous services would be made daily wagers.
Chief Minister said that the State Government was providing mustard oil to BPL families (NFSA) at Rs. 134 per liter and APL (OTNFSA) families at Rs. 139 per liter, refined oil to BPL families (NFSA) at Rs. 122 per liter and APL (OTNFSA) at Rs. 127 per liter. He said that the State Government was giving subsidies of Rs. 5 per liter to APL (OTNFSA) families and Rs. 10 per litre to BPL (NFSA) on edible oil. He announced to double the subsidy on edible oil from Rs. 5 to Rs. 10 to APL (OTNFSA) families and from Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 per litre to BPL (NFSA) families.
Jai Ram Thakur also announced that to strengthen pre-primary education in the State, Pre-Primary Education Policy would be made and pre-primary teachers would be recruited as per requirement.
The Chief Minister said that to benefit the farmers of lower and mid areas of the State, the Government would appeal in the Supreme Court to exclude ‘khair’ from 10 years feeling program.
While extending warm greetings to the people of the State, the Chief Minister said that it was a special occasion for the people of the state as we are celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav while various celebrations were also being organized in state on the occasion of 75th year of the formation of Himachal Pradesh.
He also paid his tributes to the freedom fighters as it was the result of the tireless efforts of brave freedom fighters that India attained independence. He said that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation was celebrating the Har Ghar Tringa on this auspicious occasion.
Jai Ram Thakur said that it was indeed a matter of honour for the people of the State as on this 76th Independence Day the State was also celebrating 75 years of its existence.
On this occasion, he gave complete details about the developmental activities that the state had seen since Independence.
Jai Ram Thakur said that despite difficult geographical conditions and limited resources, Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a model of development and public welfare for other States of the country. The State has got a distinct identity and the achievements of the state in various fields have been appreciated at the national level, he added.
Thakur said that the State Government in its very first cabinet decided to reduce the age limit of old age pension from 80 years to 70 years so that senior citizens should lead a dignified life, which was further reduced to 60 years.
He said that it was due to the able and strong leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi that today the Nation was poised to become ‘Vishva Guru’. He said that the Prime Minister today while addressing the Nation from the Red Fort has urged the people to take five vows to make India strong and vibrant. He urged the people of the State to work in this direction so that India could regain its old glory.
A colourful cultural programme was also presented by the school students and other cultural troupes on the occasion.
The Chief Minister also launched Mobile Ambulances Health Clinic on the occasion.
The Chief Minister also honoured Prem Kumar of Karsog area of Mandi district, Virender Singh of Nauharadhar of Sirmaur district, Dr. Ajay Pathak Chief Medical Officer Sirmaur, Parade commander Pranav Chauhan and others for their exemplary works on the occasion.(UNI)