Himachal in Crisis: CM Sukhu Slashes Salaries of Ministers, MLAs & Officials
Himachal CM Cuts Salaries of Ministers, MLAs, Boosts Honorarium in Himachal Budget: Facing a deep financial crunch, the Himachal Pradesh government led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced major austerity measures, including salary cuts for top officials and elected representatives.
Under the decision, the Chief Minister will take a 50% salary cut for six months, while ministers will see a 30% reduction and MLAs a 20% cut. Senior bureaucrats, including the Chief Secretary and DGP, will also face a 30% salary reduction, while other officials and employees will see a 20% cut. Additionally, a planned 3% salary hike for government employees has been deferred for six months.
The move comes as the state grapples with mounting financial pressure following a reduction in the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) from the central government. The state budget for 2026–27 has been reduced by ₹3,586 crore—from ₹58,514 crore last year to ₹54,928 crore.
Salary Cuts, Budget Reduction: Sukhu’s Big Move to Tackle Financial Crunch
Highlighting the severity of the crisis, the Chief Minister said the state is yet to receive nearly ₹7,000 crore in dues related to BBMB and GST compensation, while GST implementation alone has caused an estimated loss of ₹2,500 crore.
Despite fiscal constraints, the government has continued its focus on welfare and development. Around ₹500 crore has been allocated to complete over 300 stalled rural projects. A new “Mukhyamantri Apna Sukhi Kalyan Yojana” will provide up to 300 units of free electricity and financial assistance to one lakh poor families.
Social welfare spending has also been strengthened, with disability pensions increased to ₹3,000 per month and ₹1,544 crore earmarked for women and child welfare schemes.
The Chief Minister appealed for public cooperation, stating that these temporary measures are essential for steering Himachal Pradesh toward financial stability and self-reliance.
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