CPM MLA R. Singha praise on JR Thakur’s functioning as CM

Shimla, Aug 3 (UNI) In a rare bonhomie, CPM MLA Rakesh Singha on Tuesday showered praise on Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur for his style of work and equated him to former CM Virbahdra Singh.
He said that he is impressed with the functioning of Jai Ram Thakur, who, according to him, serves as a role model, “If Thakur continues to work like this, he will match upto, if he could not surpass to six time chief minister Virbhadra Singh on working style,” he said.
Singha was asking a query regarding benefit of the National Pension Scheme (NPS) to state employees, in case of death or disability during Question Hour on the second day of the monsoon session.
Sharing his experience as a legislator in the house, CPI(M) member said that CM Mr Thakur was working very hard, taking action on issues that were brought before him and making efforts to resolve these at the earliest.
Singha said that the Chief Minister has acted on his suggestion to continue to extend the benefit of the old pension scheme in two categories, including dependent of deceased employees and those who suffered 40 per cent disability during the service till cut off date of 2009.
Jai Ram Thakur, on the other hand, said he was thankful for the remarks and he will keep them close to his heart.
While replying to the query, Thakur said the state government was examining the issue and keeping in view the grievances, the government had increased its contribution from 10 per cent to 14 per cent for NPS employees.
Besides, a budgetary provision of Rs 110 crore had been made for granting gratuity benefits to such employees.
“The Central government’s notification had been adopted by only three states of Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Assam while Punjab and Gujarat have not implemented it.
As the state government follows Punjab in policy decisions and keeping in mind the poor financial condition amid Covid pandemic, the state government is examining the issue,” he added.
Thakur stated that a total of 2,114 government employees of various departments, who were covered under NPS, had died since 2003 during their service.
“The state was undergoing tough circumstances in terms of financial resources and in addition, the Covid pandemic had adversely affected the resources,” he said, adding the government was assessing as to what impact it will have on the government exchequer.