Shimla: The economic situation in Himachal Pradesh has deteriorated so much that the government has to cut the salaries of even its Chief Minister, Ministers and MLAs. Calling it an 'extraordinary economic challenge', the government has decided to withhold some part of the salary for the next six months. There will be a 50 percent cut in the salary of Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, 30 percent cut in the salary of Deputy Chief Minister, Ministers and Speaker and 20 percent cut in the salary of MLAs.
This deduction is not limited to politicians only, but will also apply to senior government officials. The salaries of senior officers like the Chief Secretary and DGP of the state will be cut by 30 percent. At the same time, the salaries of other senior officers including heads of departments will be cut by 20 percent. This rule will be applicable from the salary for the month of April, which is to be received in May. The government has also instructed government companies and universities to take similar steps.
Chief Minister Sukhu said that the reason for this difficult situation is the closure of the Revenue Deficit Grant received from the Central Government. Due to stoppage of this grant, the state is incurring a loss of Rs 8000 crore every year. The government has assured that this salary is not being cut, but it has only been stopped for some time. This money will be returned as soon as the economic condition of the state improves. Officials also said that employees whose loan installments are deducted will be given necessary concessions and all information will be entered in the e-salary system for complete transparency.
