Himachal govt shakes up: Scraps cabinet ranks, slashes salaries & allowances

Shimla (The Uttam Hindu): The Himachal Pradesh government has taken a significant step to curb the state's rising expenditure. In a significant decision, the government has abolished all cabinet rank positions with immediate effect. In another significant blow, 20 percent of salaries and allowances have been suspended until September 30, 2026. This significant decision to reduce the treasury burden has sparked a stir in political and administrative circles.

With the implementation of this new government order, the VIP privileges of "cabinet rank" enjoyed by chairmen, vice-chairmen, and advisors posted to various government boards, corporations, and commissions in the state have been discontinued with immediate effect. To ensure strict enforcement, the government has issued strict instructions to the secretaries of all departments to implement this order immediately and without delay.

This major decision by the Himachal Pradesh government was primarily aimed at reducing the heavy financial burden on the state treasury. Moving forward with expenditure reductions, the government has dealt a severe blow to wasteful spending. This tough decision, involving the withdrawal of cabinet rank and the suspension of salaries and allowances until September 30, 2026, is expected to provide relief to the state's financial management.