Jairam Thakur Questions Halt in Sahara Pension, Calls Govt Approach ‘Insensitive’

Shimla, April 22, 2026: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur has strongly criticized the state government over the alleged discontinuation of Sahara pension benefits, calling it “shameful” and insensitive.

In a statement issued from Shimla, Thakur alleged that several beneficiaries of the Sahara pension scheme—introduced during the previous BJP government to support severely disabled individuals—have had their pensions stopped after being wrongly declared dead. He termed the move as a “blatant failure of governance” and said such cases reflect a lack of compassion in handling welfare schemes.

He further stated that thousands of beneficiaries, many of whom are physically incapacitated, are now being forced to prove that they are alive, which he described as both impractical and inhumane. Thakur urged the government to take responsibility for verification instead of placing the burden on vulnerable individuals.

Targeting the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government, he also alleged excessive spending on publicity under the banner of “Sukh ki Sarkar,” while key welfare schemes remain neglected.

Additionally, Thakur accused the government of increasing user charges across sectors—from hospitals to tourism facilities—leading to public distress. He claimed that fees for medical services, including diagnostics and treatment, have been significantly raised, calling it a shift from “welfare” to a “fee-driven” administration.