CM Sukhu assured a delegation of the HRTC Pensioners Joint Action Committee that all Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) pensioners will now receive their pension regularly between the 7th and 10th of every month.
He announced that the State Government will provide a monthly grant of ₹23 crore to ensure uninterrupted and timely disbursement of pensions. The Chief Minister reiterated that the government remains fully committed to the welfare of employees and pensioners and is taking consistent steps to safeguard their interests.
The pensioners expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for the decision, stating that during the previous government, they often faced delays of two to three months in receiving pensions, causing severe financial hardship. They welcomed the move as a major relief.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the significant contribution of HRTC in the development of Himachal Pradesh and appreciated the role of both serving employees and pensioners in strengthening the corporation.
He also directed HRTC management to expedite pension benefits for employees who retired after October 2025 but have not yet started receiving their pension, emphasizing that pension is a rightful entitlement of retired employees and must not be delayed.
In addition, the Chief Minister announced the release of ₹20 crore to HRTC for clearing pending medical reimbursement claims. He said the government is undertaking reforms in the corporation to ensure timely payment of salaries and pensions and to strengthen its financial management.
He further noted that HRTC receives approximately ₹1,500 crore annually, including about ₹800 crore from its own revenue and ₹720 crore as state grant-in-aid. Despite this support, the corporation continues to incur losses, primarily due to its large fleet of nearly 3,000 buses, which significantly increases operational costs.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
