Himachal Pradesh Pensioners Unite for Restoration of Benefits

In Himachal Pradesh, thousands of retired corporate sector employees have united to demand the restoration of their pensions. Forming the Himachal Pradesh Corporate Sector Pensioners Joint Front, they are calling for immediate government action after years of neglect. With a new leadership structure in place, the group is prepared to escalate their protests if their demands are not met. The pensioners emphasize that their rights must be honored, recalling promises made by the Chief Minister. As they prepare for a significant meeting with government officials, the urgency of their situation highlights the struggles faced by many retirees in the state.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 11, 2026, 18:48 IST

Mobilization of Retired Employees

Munish Sood

Mandi
In a significant move, numerous retired workers from the corporate sector in Himachal Pradesh have escalated their long-standing fight for pension restoration by establishing a collective known as the Himachal Pradesh Corporate Sector Pensioners Joint Front. This decision emerged during a large state-level gathering held in Mandi today, where pensioners cautioned the government about escalating protests if their requests remain unaddressed.

The event represented a pivotal moment in their campaign, leading to the disbandment of the previous Coordination and Action Committees and the unanimous creation of a new state executive body. The pensioners also agreed to collectively approach the Chief Minister alongside pensioner leader Atma Ram’s faction to demand immediate action on their issues.

New Leadership Structure Established

New State Executive Announced

Through a democratic election process, veteran leader B.S. Chauhan was chosen as the State President. Joginder Sarta was appointed as Senior Vice President, while N.K. Bali took on the role of General Secretary.

To enhance public engagement, Kamlesh Shandil was designated as Chief Spokesperson. Kewal Chauhan became Chief Organising Secretary, and Daulat Thakur was named Chief Cashier. The organization emphasized that presidents and general secretaries from all districts will be included in the state executive, ensuring grassroots mobilization.

Impact on Retirees

6,730 Families Facing Uncertain Future

During a press briefing, State President B.S. Chauhan highlighted that the pension scheme for the corporate sector was initiated on April 1, 1999, but was halted for employees retiring after November 30, 2004, leaving many retirees without social security.

“Currently, only those who retired between 1999 and 2004 are receiving pension benefits. Employees who retired post-2004 have been denied this entitlement. Approximately 6,730 retired workers are affected, and tragically, 627 pensioners have passed away while awaiting their dues,” Chauhan stated.

Demand for Accountability

‘Fulfil Your Election Promise’

The pensioners reminded that the Chief Minister had promised pension restoration during a public event on August 18. Chanting the slogan ‘Fulfil your promise, Chief Minister’, the retirees expressed their dedication to serving the state and its corporations, yet now find themselves struggling for financial stability in their later years.

In addition to pension restoration, the convention called for the immediate disbursement of pending medical allowance arrears dating back to January 1, 2016, citing the increasing costs of healthcare.

Pension as a Right

Pension Is a Right, Not Charity

Newly elected State President Bhim Singh Chauhan emphasized that pensions are not a privilege but a constitutional right for employees.

“The Chief Minister has stated that he is the son of a pensioner. We trust that he will uphold the commitment made to retired corporate sector employees, just as he honored the promise to restore the old pension scheme,” Chauhan remarked.

The Joint Front has resolved to initiate a mobilization campaign at the district and block levels to unite retired employees throughout the state. A delegation led by pensioner leader Atma Ram plans to meet with the Chief Minister between January 18 and 20 to advocate for prompt action.