The Crossbill News Desk
Facing mounting fiscal pressure, the Government of Himachal Pradesh has announced a temporary deferment of salaries for elected representatives and senior officials, alongside cuts in development funds, as part of measures to manage its strained finances.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made the announcement while presenting the Budget for the 2026–27 financial year, stating that a portion of salaries across different levels would be deferred for six months.
The deferment ranges from 3 per cent for Group A and B officers to as high as 50 per cent for the Chief Minister. Salaries of the Deputy Chief Minister and Cabinet ministers will see a 30 per cent deferment, while MLAs will face a 20 per cent cut during this period, The Indian Express reported.
“I want to make it clear that this is only a temporary deferment, and as soon as the financial condition of the state improves, this amount will be returned,” Sukhu said.
The measure extends to senior bureaucrats, with 30 per cent deferment for top officials such as the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries. Police and forest department leadership, including the DGP and equivalent ranks, will also see similar reductions, while mid-level officers will face a 20 per cent deferment. Lower-level employees in Group C and D categories have been excluded and will continue to receive full salaries.
In addition, the state has halved the MLA Local Area Development Fund from Rs 2.20 crore to Rs 1.10 crore, reflecting the government’s effort to rationalise expenditure amid declining revenues, particularly after the discontinuation of the revenue deficit grant.
The Chief Minister also appealed to the judiciary to consider a voluntary deferment of salaries at various levels, while emphasising respect for its independence. He further urged state-supported boards, corporations, universities and autonomous bodies to adopt similar measures.
Despite the austerity steps, the Budget includes selective increases in wages and honorariums. Contractual medical officers will see their salaries rise, while healthcare staff such as nurses and technicians will receive revised pay structures.
Daily wagers have been granted a modest wage increase, and honorariums for Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers and other support staff have been enhanced.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made the announcement while presenting the Budget for the 2026–27 financial year, stating that a portion of salaries across different levels would be deferred for six months.
The deferment ranges from 3 per cent for Group A and B officers to as high as 50 per cent for the Chief Minister. Salaries of the Deputy Chief Minister and Cabinet ministers will see a 30 per cent deferment, while MLAs will face a 20 per cent cut during this period, The Indian Express reported.
“I want to make it clear that this is only a temporary deferment, and as soon as the financial condition of the state improves, this amount will be returned,” Sukhu said.
The measure extends to senior bureaucrats, with 30 per cent deferment for top officials such as the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries. Police and forest department leadership, including the DGP and equivalent ranks, will also see similar reductions, while mid-level officers will face a 20 per cent deferment. Lower-level employees in Group C and D categories have been excluded and will continue to receive full salaries.
In addition, the state has halved the MLA Local Area Development Fund from Rs 2.20 crore to Rs 1.10 crore, reflecting the government’s effort to rationalise expenditure amid declining revenues, particularly after the discontinuation of the revenue deficit grant.
The Chief Minister also appealed to the judiciary to consider a voluntary deferment of salaries at various levels, while emphasising respect for its independence. He further urged state-supported boards, corporations, universities and autonomous bodies to adopt similar measures.
Despite the austerity steps, the Budget includes selective increases in wages and honorariums. Contractual medical officers will see their salaries rise, while healthcare staff such as nurses and technicians will receive revised pay structures.
Daily wagers have been granted a modest wage increase, and honorariums for Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers and other support staff have been enhanced.
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