Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Promises Timely Salaries Amid Financial Concerns
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 4: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressed concerns over delayed salaries and pensions for state employees. Speaking in the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, he assured 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. He mentioned 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.
During the session, Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur raised the issue, alleging that Himachal Pradesh was on the verge of an economic emergency due to 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 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. Sukhu also criticized the culture of election freebies, admitting that such promises were not in the state’s best interest and could lead to economic strain.
Jairam Thakur, speaking to reporters, 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 that the state government employees are receiving their pensions and salaries because of the central government, with Rs 550 crore in revenue deficit grants expected on September 6 and central taxes on September 10, allowing the government to pay pensions.
Doubts Revealed
Himachal Pradesh -: Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India, known for its beautiful mountains and cool weather.
CM -: CM stands for Chief Minister, who is the head of the government in a state in India.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu -: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the current Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.
Financial Concerns -: Financial concerns mean worries about money and how it is being managed.
State Assembly -: The state assembly is a group of elected people who make laws and decisions for the state.
Pensions -: Pensions are regular payments made to retired people.
Financial Discipline -: Financial discipline means managing money carefully and not spending too much.
Rs 3 crore -: Rs 3 crore is a large amount of money in Indian currency, equal to 30 million rupees.
Loan Interest -: Loan interest is the extra money you have to pay back when you borrow money from someone.
Opposition Leader -: The opposition leader is the person who leads the group that is not in power and often criticizes the government.
Jairam Thakur -: Jairam Thakur is a politician and the leader of the opposition in Himachal Pradesh.
Central Funds -: Central funds are money given by the central government of India to the states.
Fiscal Prudence -: Fiscal prudence means being very careful and wise about how money is spent.
Election Freebies -: Election freebies are things given for free to people by politicians to get their votes during elections.
