A massive gathering of state employees and pensioners, led by Ghanshyam Sharma, National Senior Vice President of the Indian State Pensioners Federation, staged a protest at the Dharamshala Police Ground today on 28th nov 2025, voicing sharp criticism of the Sukhu government’s policies. Representatives of various employee and pensioner organizations participated in the demonstration, accusing the government of failing to fulfill promises, pushing the state into financial disorder, and taking decisions detrimental to employees.
Addressing the rally, Ghanshyam Sharma said the government had sought the support of employees and pensioners by assuring timely disbursal of OPS benefits, salaries, pensions, DA, and medical reimbursements. “However, even after three years in power, most of these assurances remain unfulfilled. Instead of improving, the situation is deteriorating,” he alleged.
He further claimed that despite the state’s rising debt burden, instalments of DA, arrears, and health-related schemes like Himcare were being cut or delayed, creating serious difficulties for retired employees seeking medical treatment.
Speakers at the rally expressed anger over the government’s alleged neglect of employee-related issues during the ongoing winter session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly. They also criticised the decision to shift the protest venue from Zorawar Stadium to the Police Ground, calling it a sign of the government’s “panic” and “anti-employee attitude.”
Pensioner leaders warned that if the government did not take immediate decisions regarding pending DA, salaries, pension payments, medical bill clearance, reinstatement of Himcare benefits, and OPS commitments, the agitation would be intensified, with state-wide programmes to be announced soon. “This struggle is not against any particular political party. It is a fight for rights, dignity, and a secure future for employees and pensioners. We will not step back until justice is delivered,” said Ghanshyam Sharma, urging all organizations to maintain unity and continue the movement in a peaceful and disciplined manner.
Pensioners’ Agitation Peaks
Ravinder Singh Rana, District Kangra Convener of the HP Pensioners Joint Action Committee, said today’s demonstration marked a “historic protest” against the state government’s indifferent approach. He added that pensioners from all state government departments, boards, and corporations submitted a representation in Dharamshala, demanding speedy resolution of their long-pending issues and immediate release of dues in the interest of pensioners, family pensioners, and their dependents.
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