Himachal CM promises timely salaries amid economic strain allegations

In the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday, he assured the assembly that from next month, efforts would be made to release salaries and pensions on the 1st of every month. The Chief Minister explained that the delay was part of the government's attempt to enforce fiscal prudence and financial discipline.

During the session, Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur raised the issue under a point of order, alleging that Himachal Pradesh was on the verge of an economic emergency, blaming the situation on the ruling Congress government's policies. Thakur claimed that the state's financial health was deteriorating, with the government taking loans to cover salaries and increasingly depending on the Centre.

In response, CM Sukhu denied the existence of an economic crisis, stating, "There is no financial crisis in the state. We are only enforcing financial discipline." He explained that the temporary delay in disbursing salaries had allowed the government to save Rs 3 crore in loan interest, which could amount to Rs 36 crore annually. Sukhu acknowledged the need for Rs 1,200 crore for salaries and Rs 800 crore for pensions monthly, stating that the government had to resort to loans to meet these obligations.

While highlighting the savings from delayed salaries, he also promised that salaries would be paid on the 1st of the month from the next cycle. Sukhu further criticised the culture of election freebies, admitting that such promises were not in the state's best interest and could lead to economic strain.

Speaking to ANI, Jairam Thakur said, "It's too late to talk about financial discipline now... They blame the previous state government and the current Central government for their shortcomings. Who will believe them?... As long as I was Chief Minister, salaries and pensions were paid on time. Now the current CM is running away from his responsibilities."

He added, "If the state government employees are receiving their pensions and salaries, it is because of the central government. Rs 550 crore in revenue deficit grants from the central government will be received on September 6, after which the government will pay salaries to its employees. On September 10, our share of central taxes will be given to the state, allowing the government to pay pensions. Amidst all this, they will exhaust the limit of loans they can take for the treasury." (ANI)