Himachal pensioners hit streets over DA, arrears and healthcare bills

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Yog Raj Sharma

The North News

Shimla, October 17

Pensioners in Himachal Pradesh staged a strong protest in Shimla on Friday over what they called the state government’s failure to clear their long-pending financial dues. The demonstrators accused the government of having ample funds for “honourable members” while showing “financial crisis” when it comes to public dues.

The protest was organised by the Pensioners Joint Action Committee, which raised slogans demanding immediate payment of arrears, dearness allowance (DA), and pending medical bills. Addressing the gathering, pensioners warned that if their demands were ignored, the government would “face the consequences in the upcoming elections.”

Pensioners said that never before had they been forced to take to the streets at this stage of their lives. They alleged that the government recently released only 3% DA, whereas 16% was pending. Of the 4% instalment that was supposed to be issued, only 1% was given, which they called a “one percent trick.”

The arrears of the Sixth Pay Commission dating back to 2016 remain unpaid, while the new pay scale is expected to come into effect in January 2026. Pensioners also alleged that years of delay in medical bill payments have forced many to forgo treatment, and some have died without medical care, calling it “a matter of deep shame.”