Himachal Pradesh Leaders Defer Salaries Amid Grim Financial Crisis

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that he, along with other state officials, will defer drawing their salaries for two months due to the state's severe financial situation. The chief minister called for other assembly members to follow suit and discussed various revenue challenges and unmet funding needs from the Central government.

In a bold move reflecting the financial woes of Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu declared on Thursday that he and his high-ranking colleagues would defer their salaries and allowances for two months.

Making the announcement in the assembly, Sukhu urged other House members to consider similar actions as the government grapples with a strained revenue stream.

Despite ongoing efforts to curb unproductive expenditure and boost revenue, Sukhu highlighted several financial setbacks, including a drop in the Revenue Deficit Grant and unreleased funds from the Centre for disaster-related damages.

(With inputs from agencies.)