Himachal Pradesh Delays Salaries to Cut Costs: CM Sukhu Justifies

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu defends the deferral of salaries in the state, citing a need to save about Rs 36 crore annually in interest payments. Sukhu announces new salary and pension payment dates amid ongoing financial challenges and outlines plans for future fiscal prudence.

In a move stirring employee resentment, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has justified the deferral of salary payments, highlighting the potential to save Rs 3 crore monthly and Rs 36 crore annually on interest payments.

Sukhu assured the State Assembly that salaries would be disbursed by September 5 and pensions by September 10, attributing the delay to meticulous mapping of state expenditure and receipts for optimal resource utilization.

While pointing out that the state will receive a Revenue Deficit Grant of Rs 520 crore on September 6, he emphasized savings from avoiding high borrowing costs but noted that corporations and boards could make independent decisions based on their resources.

(With inputs from agencies.)