HP CM turns down demand for revival of old pension scheme

Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today ruled out the revival of the old pension scheme and said all officers and employees, who have joined service after May 15, 2003, would continue to be covered under the new "Contributory Pension Scheme".

Replying to a question raised by BJP member Romesh Chand Dhawala, the chief minister said all states, barring one or two, have adopted the new pension scheme as the old one put a heavy financial burden on the state exchequer.

However, the government would consider constituting a committee to solve problems faced by the employees, he added.

Lone CPI (M) member Rakesh Singha also pressed for restoration of the old pension scheme.

Replying to another question raised by Parmajeet Singh (BJP), Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Virender Kanwar said the government was contemplating reorganising the blocks to ensure an office of a Block Development Officer in every Assembly constituency.