Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced a temporary deferment of part of the salaries of ministers, MLAs, and senior officials due to the state’s financial difficulties. The decision was made while presenting the 2026–27 budget, following the end of the revenue deficit grant that had supported the state’s finances.
Under the plan, 50 per cent of the chief minister’s salary, 30 per cent of the deputy chief minister’s and cabinet ministers’ salaries, and 20 per cent of MLAs’ salaries will be deferred for six months. Political appointees such as chairpersons and advisors will also face a 20 per cent deferment. Senior bureaucrats, including the chief secretary and top police officials, will see a 30 per cent deferment, while secretaries, heads of departments, and mid-level officers will face a 20 per cent cut. Group-A and Group-B officers will have a smaller three per cent deferment. Importantly, Group-C and Group-D employees, who make up the lower administrative and support staff, are excluded and will continue to receive full pay.
Despite these cuts, the budget includes salary hikes for frontline workers. Medical officers not yet regularised will see their monthly pay rise from Rs 33,600 to Rs 40,000. Nurses, lab technicians, pharmacists, and other staff will now receive a flat Rs 25,000. Daily wagers will get an extra Rs 25 per day, while Anganwadi workers, helpers, and Asha workers will receive Rs 1,000 more each month. Mid-day meal workers, water carriers, and other grassroots staff will get an additional Rs 500.
The budget also raises the limit for MLA Priority Schemes from Rs 200 crore to Rs 225 crore per constituency. The deferment is described as temporary, with salaries to be restored once the state’s financial situation improves.