Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed serious worries about a reported breakdown in the state’s payment system, citing delays in releasing payments that have negatively impacted employees, pensioners, patients, contractors, and various other groups. In a letter marked as “Urgent” to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Gehlot highlighted a deepening financial crisis and administrative standstill affecting almost every sector of society. He emphasized the urgent need for the Chief Minister to take immediate action to ensure timely payments and provide relief to those affected.
Gehlot’s letter outlined the widespread repercussions of the payment delays, affecting employees, pensioners, families of accident victims, hospitals, medicine suppliers, and small contractors who are struggling to receive their rightful payments. Describing the situation as unprecedented, Gehlot stressed the urgent need for financial management reforms to address the crisis effectively. He specifically mentioned pending payments amounting to crores of rupees under the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS) to various healthcare providers and suppliers.
The former Chief Minister also drew attention to the State Human Rights Commission’s intervention due to the severity of the situation, which has led to threats of reduced services by hospitals participating in government schemes. He highlighted the plight of employees and pensioners who are being compelled to bear expenses out of their pockets despite assurances of cashless treatment, with reimbursements indefinitely delayed. Additionally, Gehlot pointed out delays in the disbursement of benefits under the Chief Minister Chiranjeevi/Ayushman Accident Insurance Scheme, causing distress to numerous families awaiting compensation.
Gehlot further raised concerns about delayed payments to retired government employees, including various entitlements such as GPF, group insurance, gratuity, and leave encashment. He underscored the impact of delayed social security pension payments on elderly citizens, widows, and differently-abled beneficiaries across multiple districts. The former CM also highlighted the adverse effects of delayed payments on infrastructure projects like roads, water supply, and public works, stressing the need for prompt resolution to prevent further disruptions.
