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Himachal Cuts Salaries of Top Officials Including Chief Secretary, DGP

The Himachal Pradesh government has ordered a temporary 30% salary cut for its senior officials, including the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police. The measure, effective for six months starting April, aims to address the state's weak economic situation and improve financial management. Nearly 200 officers will be affected, leading to estimated monthly savings of nearly one crore rupees. The state has clarified this is a temporary, collective effort and has directed autonomous institutions to follow suit.

Key Points: Himachal Govt Cuts Salaries of Chief Secretary, DGP by 30%

  • 30% salary cut for senior officials
  • Affects Chief Secretary and DGP
  • Temporary measure for six months
  • Aims to strengthen state finances
  • Nearly 200 officers impacted
2 min read

Now Chief Secretary, DGP among govt officials in Himachal facing salary cut

Himachal Pradesh implements a 30% salary cut for senior officials, including the Chief Secretary and DGP, for six months to address a financial crisis.

"this step has been taken to address the state's weak economic situation - State Government Notification"

Shimla, April 18

Days after the salary cuts of the lawmakers, comprising Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, now 30 per cent pay cut has been made temporarily for senior government officials, including the Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta and the Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, on Sunday.

The Congress government has taken a major decision to address financial crisis in the hill state.

The state government has issued an order temporarily suspending a portion of the salaries of senior officials for the next six months.

According to a notification issued by Finance Department Secretary Ashish Singhmar, a monthly amount of Rs 1.10 lakh of the Chief Secretary's salary, Rs 1.05 lakh of the Additional Chief Secretary's salary, Rs 97,500 of the Principal Secretary's and Rs 60,000 of the Secretary's salary will be suspended for six months.

This arrangement will be effective from the April salary, which will be received in May.

According to the state government notification, this step has been taken to address the state's weak economic situation and strengthen financial management.

The state government has also directed boards, corporations, universities and grant-receiving institutions to implement this decision.

The state government has clarified that this move is temporary and part of a collective effort to improve the state's financial situation.

According to a notification, department heads promoted from the Himachal Administrative Service rank receive a monthly salary of Rs 3.10 lakh, while IAS officers receive a salary of around Rs 3 lakh.

The state government has nearly 60 department heads, and around 200 officers will be affected by the temporary salary freeze.

Their salaries will likely be cut by nearly Rs 1 crore per month.

Senior officers like Chief Secretary, the Additional Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary have also been included among the officers whose salaries have been cut by 30 per cent.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the intent is good, a 30% cut on a 3 lakh salary still leaves them with over 2 lakhs. The real sacrifice is being made by lower-level employees and common people. The focus should be on cutting wasteful expenditure and boosting revenue.
R
Rohit P
Finally! Some accountability. These officers won't even feel a 1 lakh cut from their massive salaries, but the symbolic gesture is important. Hope the saved money is used for public welfare projects in Himachal and not just to fill budget holes.
A
Ashwin V
This is just optics before elections. A six-month temporary cut? What about the long-term fiscal discipline? The state needs sustainable solutions, not temporary salary suspensions that will be quietly restored later.
M
Meera T
Good step, but the government must ensure transparency. Where exactly is this nearly 1 crore per month being redirected? Citizens deserve to know which schemes or departments will benefit from this collective effort.
D
David E
Interesting move. In many countries, public sector salary cuts during crises are common, but they're often permanent or lead to restructuring. A six-month pause seems like a short-term fix. The structural issues causing the weak economic situation need addressing.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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