CM Baghel writes a letter to the MP CM Chouhan to provide 42 per cent dearness relief to the pensioners of Chhattisgarh

Raipur: In a significant move, chief minister Bhupesh Baghel has taken a proactive step by reaching out to Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The move aims to secure consent for the provision of 42 per cent dearness relief to pensioners in Chhattisgarh. The gesture underscores the collaborative efforts between the two states to facilitate the timely disbursement of this essential benefit to retired government officials and employees.Chief minister Baghel’s letter highlights the Finance Department of Chhattisgarh’s earlier correspondence to the Madhya Pradesh government on August 2, expressing the need for dearness relief to be extended to pensioners. The decision to grant a 42 per cent dearness relief to retired government officials and employees in Chhattisgarh, effective from July 1, 2023, reflects the administration’s commitment to the welfare of its pensioner community.The proposed dearness relief hinges on obtaining consent between the two states under Section 49(6) of the Madhya Pradesh Reorganization Act 2000. Chief Minister Baghel’s letter urges Chief Minister Chouhan to instruct relevant officers to expedite the necessary actions once consent is granted. This step, once taken, will pave the way for prompt implementation of the dearness relief scheme, ensuring that pensioners receive their entitled benefits without undue delay.The Chief Minister’s prompt and diligent efforts to secure the agreement of Madhya Pradesh resonate with the demands of pensioner organizations, who have been advocating for an increase in the dearness allowance rate to 42 percent. The pending approval from Madhya Pradesh has temporarily slowed down the process, but with Chief Minister Baghel’s proactive engagement, there is renewed optimism for swift and positive outcomes.As both states work towards a consensus, the Chhattisgarh government remains committed to initiating prompt action once the necessary consent is obtained from Madhya Pradesh. This collaborative approach underscores the commitment to the well-being of pensioners and highlights the synergy between the two neighboring states in addressing the concerns of their retired workforce.