Shimla, March 23 -- Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Saturday reaffirmed the Congress-led State Government's commitment to provide the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to state employees - a promise made during the 2022 Assembly elections. So far, 1,17,521 employees have opted for OPS, while 1,356 have chosen to continue with the New Pension Scheme (NPS).
However, Agnihotri highlighted a significant hurdle - the Centre has yet to return Rs 9,242 crore, comprising state and employee contributions under NPS, despite repeated requests. This amount, currently invested in bonds by the Centre, is crucial for disbursing benefits to retiring employees.
The Deputy CM also pointed out that the Centre has imposed a Rs 1,700 crore c...