Himachal Pradesh Government Adjusts Salary and Pension Payment Dates Amid Financial Crisis.

Shimla:

In response to concerns raised by Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur in the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a new payment schedule for state government employees and pensioners. Starting immediately, salaries will be disbursed on the 5th of each month, and pensions on the 10th, due to ongoing fiscal prudence measures necessitated by the state’s severe financial crisis.

The adjustment follows criticism from state employees, pensioners, and opposition parties over missed payments for August, originally due on September 1st. Sukhu explained that the delay aims to align expenditure with revenue and reduce interest costs on state loans. The government pays Rs 1,200 crore monthly in salaries and Rs 800 crore in pensions, amounting to a total of Rs 2,000 crore each month. By deferring payments, the state aims to save Rs 3 crore monthly and Rs 36 crore annually in interest payments.

The Chief Minister assured that the new schedule does not affect employees and pensioners of boards and corporations, which manage their finances independently. He also stated that the government will consider the impact on employees’ loan EMIs.

Jai Ram Thakur had previously raised a Point of Order, stressing the urgent need for the house to address the issue and ensure employees are kept informed.