Old Pension Scheme News: For many electricity workers in Himachal Pradesh, this Diwali was expected to bring long-awaited good news — the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Instead, what they received was a smaller surprise: a 3% Dearness Allowance (DA) hike.
At the 18th State Electricity Board Employees Union Conference in Shimla, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu addressed a packed hall of hopeful employees. But as soon as it became clear that OPS was not being announced, disappointment filled the air. Many workers even left midway through his speech.
What Actually Happened at the Conference
The event was held at Peterhof, Shimla, where electricity board employees had gathered expecting the long-pending announcement of OPS restoration. But CM Sukhu’s message was clear — the government isn’t ready yet.
He said the state’s financial condition needed time to stabilize before any such decision could be implemented. However, he assured workers that their demand had not been ignored. “We’ll make a decision in five to six months,” the Chief Minister said, urging employees to remain patient.
As a small relief, he announced a 3% DA hike, applicable from April 1, 2025, along with arrears for the same period.
CM Sukhu’s Honest but Tough Message
In his address, CM Sukhu took a realistic stance, saying,
“I can make everything free, but if I do, I’ll be deceiving the public. Our government cannot deceive people.”
He added that the Electricity Board needed major reforms, blaming earlier administrations for mismanagement. According to him, former officials had “created an army of officers” and denied basic rights to the employees, leaving the board in financial distress.
While his message was honest, it didn’t sit well with many workers who’ve been waiting for the Old Pension Scheme for over two years.
Why the Old Pension Scheme Matters So Much
For thousands of Himachal Pradesh employees, especially those in the Electricity Department, OPS isn’t just a policy — it’s a matter of financial security and dignity after retirement.
Under the New Pension Scheme (NPS), employees’ retirement funds depend on market performance. But under OPS, retirees receive a fixed monthly pension, providing stability for their old age.
The Congress Party, during the 2022 Assembly elections, promised that OPS would be restored for all government employees. And while it has been implemented in several departments, the Electricity Board and other corporations are still waiting.
Nearly 6,000 employees of the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Department remain outside the OPS umbrella. Their patience is wearing thin.
What the Chief Minister Promised
While the CM didn’t make any official announcement about implementing OPS for electricity workers, he did acknowledge their concerns and offered a timeline.
He said:
- The government would consider OPS implementation once the financial situation improves.
- A decision would be made within 5–6 months.
- Electricity subsidies for Class 1 officers are still under review.
- A 3% DA increase has been approved for board employees.
For many workers, this assurance is not enough — but it’s still a signal that the government hasn’t closed the door on OPS entirely.
The Political and Emotional Backdrop
The issue of OPS has become both political and emotional in Himachal Pradesh. The Congress government rode to power partly on the promise of bringing back the Old Pension Scheme. And while it has made progress, the incomplete implementation has created frustration among certain departments.
Electricity workers have held protests and meetings over the past year, demanding equal treatment. For them, this Diwali’s “gift” — a DA hike — feels more like a consolation prize than the celebration they had hoped for.
The Road Ahead
If CM Sukhu’s assurance is fulfilled, electricity workers might finally receive OPS benefits in the coming months. But until then, the state’s employees will continue to wait — balancing hope and skepticism.
The Chief Minister’s decision to hold off on OPS while announcing DA relief may be seen as a practical step for now, but politically, the countdown to his six-month promise has already begun.
As one union member said after the event, “We didn’t come for DA; we came for our future.” That single line captures the emotional weight behind this demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was announced for Himachal Pradesh electricity workers before Diwali?
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu announced a 3% DA increase for all state electricity board employees along with arrears from April 1, 2025, but did not announce OPS implementation.
2. When will the Old Pension Scheme be implemented in the Electricity Board?
The Chief Minister stated that a decision will be made within 5–6 months, depending on the state’s financial condition.
3. How many employees are still waiting for OPS in Himachal Pradesh?
Approximately 6,000 employees from the Electricity Department and various corporations are still awaiting inclusion under the Old Pension Scheme.