There is a wave of happiness among the employees working under the New Pension Scheme (NPS) in Himachal Pradesh. The Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu-led government has announced a major decision. NPS employees of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) will now get dearness allowance (DA) at par with the rates given to Central Government employees. This is a major development and a long-awaited relief for nearly 6000 employees working under the NPS in the state.
This decision is seen as a historic move by the Himachal Pradesh government. Although there is still no final decision on the implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), this latest step shows a positive intention. The employees have been waiting for such a decision for a long time, and now they have something concrete to cheer about. With this, the financial burden on these employees due to rising costs will now reduce.
DA Increase Brings Big Relief
The official order released by the Electricity Board clearly states that NPS employees will now receive dearness allowance on the same terms as their counterparts in the Central Government. According to the latest revision, DA has been increased by 2 percent. That means, earlier NPS employees were receiving 53 percent DA. But now, it has been raised to 55 percent. This may seem like a small increase, but when applied to thousands of employees, it makes a big difference.
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This change will not only help increase the take-home salary of employees but will also positively impact their pension contribution under NPS. More contribution means more savings for their retirement. Many employees who have been under financial stress due to inflation will now get some relief. For many families, this extra income will help them manage household expenses in a better way.
Direct Benefit to 6000 Employees
This DA hike will directly benefit around 6000 employees who are currently working under the New Pension Scheme. These employees have been raising their voices for a long time, demanding the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme. So far, their demand has not been fulfilled, but this DA revision is surely a step in the right direction.
According to the office order from the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board management, the revised DA will be given based on the Central Government’s memorandum issued in April 2025. This means, whenever the Central Government revises DA in the future, the same increase will also be passed on to the NPS employees in Himachal Pradesh. This is a very positive step, as it ensures that these employees are not left behind.
Currently, there are around 7000 employees who were appointed before 2003. These employees are already covered under the Old Pension Scheme and enjoy other benefits provided by the state government. On the other hand, around 6000 employees who were recruited after 2003 are part of the New Pension Scheme. These employees have been demanding similar benefits and parity for a long time.
The Bigger Picture: Hope for OPS Restoration?
While this DA announcement has brought smiles to many faces, it does not solve the long-standing demand for OPS. The demand to bring back the Old Pension Scheme continues. Employees under NPS feel that OPS offers better post-retirement security. Even though the government has not yet agreed to this, the recent DA parity shows that the state government is listening to the concerns of its employees.
This decision can also reduce the growing unrest among NPS employees. Although it is not the full solution they have been waiting for, it is still a major step. It shows that the government is slowly moving towards providing equal treatment to all its employees, regardless of which pension scheme they are in.
The DA increase will also boost employee morale. When the government recognizes the hard work of its employees and gives financial rewards, it builds trust. Employees are now hopeful that more good news may follow in the coming months. They believe that this could be the beginning of bigger changes.
A Win-Win for Government and Employees
This move not only benefits the employees but also shows the government in a good light. It proves that the Himachal Pradesh government is serious about employee welfare. With elections always around the corner in Indian politics, such decisions play a key role in shaping public perception. The government has struck the right chord with this announcement.
Also, aligning state-level policies with central government guidelines brings better coordination. It reduces confusion and gives a clear signal to all employees. When DA is given based on Central Government rates, it sets a transparent standard.
What Lies Ahead?
Going forward, all eyes are now on whether the government will take the final step of restoring the Old Pension Scheme. Employees have made it clear that they will not stop raising their voices until they get complete pension security. But for now, the DA hike is a welcome change.
In the end, this decision has brought much-needed financial relief to 6000 families in Himachal Pradesh. It is a reward for their patience and continued service. The government may not have fulfilled all demands yet, but this move has surely created hope. Employees now feel seen and heard.
This development reminds us that change takes time, but progress is always possible when there is intent. With more such decisions, the path toward equality for all government employees may not be far.
