SHIMLA, Mar 22:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that, in view of the serious financial crisis in the state, 30 percent of the salaries of the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and ministers will be deferred for the next six months.
While presenting Budget on Saturday, he said to deal with the financial crisis, difficult decisions such as temporary salary deferment have also been taken, so that essential services are not disrupted and financial balance is maintained.
Sukhu also announced that 20 percent of the salaries of MLAs will be deferred for the same period.
The Chief Minister further declared that up to 30 percent of the salaries of chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, advisors, OSDs, the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries of all boards and corporations will also be deferred for six months.
Similarly, 30 percent of the salaries of officials from Secretaries to Heads of Departments will remain deferred for the next six months.
He said that 30 percent of the salaries of the DGP and Additional DGP will also be deferred for six months, while officers from the rank of IG to SP will have 20 percent of their salaries deferred for the same period.
In the Forest Department, 20 per cent of the salaries of the Head of Forest Force, PCCF and Additional PCCF will also remain deferred for six months, and this will include officers up to the rank of DFO.
The Chief Minister also announced that the salaries of Group-II gazetted officers will be deferred by up to 30 percent for the next six months. However, salaries of Group C and Group D employees will continue to be paid as usual.
All corporations, boards and other autonomous institutions have also been directed to follow these government instructions.