Shimla, April 18: Facing mounting financial pressure, the Himachal Pradesh government has decided to defer a portion of salaries of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, ministers, MLAs and senior officials as part of austerity measures.
Under the decision, around 50% of the Chief Minister’s salary, 30% of ministers and senior bureaucrats, and 20% of MLAs’ salaries will be deferred for a period of six months. The deferred amount will be released at a later stage when the state’s financial condition stabilises, officials said.
The move comes against the backdrop of a worsening fiscal situation, with the state grappling with rising debt and reduced central financial support, particularly after changes in the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) framework.
The government, however, clarified that Group C and Group D employees will not be affected, ensuring that lower-income staff continue to receive full salaries.
In a partial relief, the state has reportedly withdrawn the salary deferment decision for some Class I and II officers, while continuing the measure for elected representatives and top officials.
The decision has triggered political reactions, with the Opposition terming it a sign of financial mismanagement, while the government has defended it as a temporary and necessary step to manage resources prudently.
Officials said further measures may be considered depending on the evolving financial situation.
