Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu seeks centre's support for refund of over ₹9,200 crore deposited in NPS
1 min read 29 May 2023, 10:52 AM ISTHimachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged the Centre to direct the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority to refund ₹9,242.60 crore deposited by the state government in the New Pension Scheme.
PremiumHimachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu has announced his intention to meet with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the national capital to seek a refund of ₹9242.60 crore deposited by the state government in the New Pension Scheme (NPS).
The decision to pursue the refund comes after Sukhu appealed during the eighth meeting of the governing council of NITI Aayog held in New Delhi on Saturday. He urged the central government to direct the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority to return the amount deposited by the state government.
Speaking at the 'Purani Pension Aabhar Rally' organised for the state's government employees, Sukhu reiterated the Congress government's commitment to fulfilling its pre-poll promise of reinstating the old pension scheme in Himachal Pradesh. He emphasised that the restoration of the old pension scheme was prioritised in the first Cabinet meeting after the formation of the new Congress government in the state.
Expressing determination to reclaim the ₹9242.60 crore deposited in the NPS, Sukhu highlighted that it is the rightful entitlement of the state and vowed to fight for its retrieval. He announced his upcoming visit to Delhi to discuss the matter with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, seeking her support in resolving the issue.
"We are determined to reclaim ₹9242.60 crore deposited in NPS. It is our right to get the money back and we will fight for it. I will visit Delhi to discuss the matter with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman," Sukhu said.
In addition to pursuing the refund, Sukhu assured the employees that the benefits of the old pension scheme would be extended to board-corporation employees. He also mentioned that corporations previously excluded from the scheme would be included in due course, ensuring that a wider range of individuals can benefit from the old pension system.
Sukhu also called for removing the limit on external aid, speedy approval of proposals, 100% central funding for the Bhanupali-Bilaspur-Leh railway line, and inclusion of ropeway projects under the Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojna. He emphasized the state's vision for green energy and tourism development under the concept of "Green Himachal." He sought the support of the Centre and NITI Aayog in making Himachal Pradesh the most developed state in the country.
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