Himachal Ministers To Not Take Salaries For 2 Months As State Undergoing Financial Crisis

Shimla: In a significant decision, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday informed the state Assembly that all the state ministers, chief parliamentary secretaries (CPS) and Cabinet-rank members will not draw their salaries for two months. The decision has been taken as the state is undergoing a financial crisis, the chief minister said. It was also informed in the assembly that along with their salary, they will also not take TA or DA for the next two months.

CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while addressing the House said, "After discussion in the cabinet, all the members of the cabinet decided that until the state sees good improvement in the coming times, we will not take any salary, nor TA, nor DA for two months."

"This is just a small amount, but a symbolic one. Apart from this, I also request all the MLAs to contribute in this regard," he added.

However, the opposition BJP, led by former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, staged a walkout from the Assembly over the Chief Minister's announcement.

"According to the information I have received, they will not take a salary for two months. They have just deferred it since there is a financial crisis in the state. You have created chief parliamentary secretaries (CPS) which cannot be created as per the Constitution. You have given Cabinet, chairman status to many people and all facilities have been given to them. So definitely I believe this is not a solution to all the problems and they have requested all the MLAs," he said.

"I will first find out what the matter is and then after discussing with the MLAs, we will talk about it," Thakur added.