In a landmark decision, the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBoSE) announced that pensions will be disbursed before staff salaries. Board Chairman Dr. Rajesh Sharma emphasized that retired employees are the institution’s “living history,” and their welfare will now take precedence, even if salaries of current employees are delayed.
On February 18, 2026, the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education declared a major policy shift: pensions for retired employees will be released before salaries of serving staff. The announcement was made at a ceremony in Dharamshala, where pensioners were honored for their decades of service.
Board Chairman Dr. Rajesh Sharma explained that the move reflects the Board’s recognition of retirees’ contributions, describing them as the foundation of the institution’s achievements. He assured that a digital system will streamline pension disbursement, ensuring timely payments and financial security for retirees.
The decision, though applauded by pensioners, has sparked debate among serving staff, who worry about delays in salary processing. Officials maintain that the change is aimed at strengthening trust and honoring legacy employees.
Major Takeaways
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Himachal Pradesh School Education Board to prioritize pensions over salaries
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Announcement made by Chairman Dr. Rajesh Sharma in Dharamshala
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Retired employees described as the institution’s “living history”
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Digital system to streamline pension disbursement
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Pensioners applauded the move; serving staff expressed concerns over salary delays
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Policy reflects emphasis on welfare and recognition of retirees’ contributions
Conclusion
The Board’s decision to prioritize pensions underscores a symbolic and administrative shift in valuing retirees’ welfare. While it strengthens the bond with former employees, balancing this with the needs of current staff will be crucial to maintaining institutional harmony and operational efficiency.
Sources: UNI News, Devdiscourse, ThePrint