Himachal Govt Withdraws ‘Cabinet Rank’ Status from Board, Corporation Officials to Streamline Protocol.
Shimla:
The government of Himachal Pradesh has decided to withdraw the ‘Cabinet Rank’ status currently granted to several authorities associated with boards, corporations, and commissions in the state. The move has been taken as part of the government’s efforts to streamline administrative protocol and improve governance procedures.
According to an official spokesperson of the state government, the decision will affect a number of positions that were earlier accorded Cabinet Rank privileges. These include Chairpersons, Vice-Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of various boards, corporations, and commissions. In addition, the status has also been withdrawn from Principal Advisors and Political Advisors appointed by the government.
The spokesperson stated that the decision aims to simplify the administrative hierarchy and ensure a more structured protocol system within government functioning. The Cabinet Rank status typically provides certain privileges, protocol precedence, and facilities equivalent to that of a cabinet minister. With the withdrawal of this status, the concerned authorities will no longer enjoy those protocol benefits.
Apart from the change in protocol status, the government has also decided to defer a portion of the remuneration of the affected authorities. As per the announcement, 20 percent of the salary and monthly emoluments of the concerned officials will remain deferred until September 30, 2026.
Officials indicated that this step is part of a broader administrative adjustment aimed at ensuring fiscal prudence and maintaining a streamlined governance structure.
The spokesperson further informed that necessary instructions have already been issued to all Administrative Secretaries to implement the decision without delay. Departments have been directed to take prompt action to ensure compliance with the new directives.
The decision is expected to bring changes in the functioning and protocol status of several government-linked bodies across the state while reinforcing the government’s emphasis on administrative efficiency.
