KAZA(LAHAUL-SPITI)- Himachal Pradesh Government is under fire from the Spiti Pensioners Union and local leaders for its inaction in addressing the delays of over five months in pension payments. Retired employees, who have been left in financial distress, demand urgent action to fill vacant positions at the Kaza Treasury Office, the headquarters of Spiti.
This resentment has come short after Chief Minister's sojourn to Kaza celebrating Himachal Day there for three days in April last.
Since January, family pension payments have been withheld due to a chronic shortage of staff at the Kaza Treasury Office. The government's failure to address this issue has triggered outrage among pensioners and local representatives, who accuse the government of an indifference to their plight.
Mr. Kadak Dorje, General Secretary of the Spiti Pensioners Union, expressed deep disappointment, stating, "The government's negligence towards pensioners, who have dedicated their lives to public service, is shameful. These delays have caused immense hardship to retired individuals and their families."
Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu faces Spitians' flake for not resolving the crisis.
Estranged Lahaul-Spiti Congress MLA Ravi Thakur has joined the chorus saying, "The Chief Minister must take immediate action to fast-track the recruitment process at the Kaza Treasury Office. This apathy reflects poorly on the government's commitment to its citizens."
Spiti Pensioners Union and local leaders are demanding the swift appointment of Treasury Officers, Superintendents, Senior Assistants, and Computer Operators at the Kaza Treasury Office.
They have also proposed that personnel from Recongpeo be temporarily deputed to the Treasury Office for specific periods to expedite the clearance of pending pension dues.
The inadequate staff at the Kaza Treasury Office cannot serve as an excuse for withholding the hard-earned pensions of retired employees.
This display of negligence reveals a larger disregard for the welfare of retired citizens of cold desert of Spiti by the government.
The Spiti Pensioners Union and local leaders are urging the government to fill the vacancies promptly and establish a transparent and efficient recruitment process. They emphasize the need for regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure the timely processing of pension payments.
Before public outcry against the HP Government grows louder, the Sukhu government must act fast to redeem their woes.
