Himachal releases Rs 825 cr arrears to govt staff

The ruling BJP regime in Himachal Pradesh has announced the release of arrears of Rs 825 crore to government employees. These arrears are due to the fifth pay commission recommendations, increased capital allowance doubling of increments, house rent allowance. A double increment has been announced to those adopting a permanent family planning mode after birth of two girls. Half the arrear amount of Rs 412 crore will be released to employees and pensioners at once in cash while the remaining will be deposited in their GPF accounts. The joint consultative committee (JCC) meeting held here on Tuesday did not talk about the contentious issue of raising the retirement age. CM PK Dhumal said the state government had increased the daily wages from Rs 75 to Rs 120. Himachal Pradesh has one of the highest number of government employees in the country.