The Himachal Pradesh government has made a significant announcement regarding the dearness allowance (DA) for its employees. Chief Minister Sukhu Vinder Singh Sukhu revealed on Friday that there will be a total increase of 5 per cent in the DA for government employees. This increase includes 4 per cent for the current financial year and an additional 1 per cent as arrears from the previous year.

In addition to the DA increase, Class IV employees will receive a one-time payment of Rs 10,000 as revision arrears. This amount is set to be credited to their bank accounts on 1 November. The decision is expected to benefit approximately 275,000 employees and pensioners in the state.

During a media interaction, Chief Minister Sukhu emphasised the importance of this increase, stating that it aims to support employees in managing their expenses during the festive season. The official notification regarding this DA hike is scheduled to be issued on the same day.

Financial Discipline and Cost-Cutting Measures

Chief Minister Sukhu also addressed the need for financial discipline within the state government. He mentioned that the government is implementing measures to reduce expenditures while maintaining fiscal responsibility. While these steps may impact certain sectors of society, he expressed optimism that collective efforts could lead to positive changes.

In a light-hearted remark, Sukhu acknowledged that journalists often express dissatisfaction with the government, which some interpreted as a reference to recent cuts in government advertising budgets for media organisations. He called upon legislators, government officials, doctors, engineers, and teachers to contribute to improving the administrative framework and financial health of the state.

The Chief Minister’s commitment to fiscal prudence is evident as he seeks to balance the needs of government employees with the overall financial stability of Himachal Pradesh.

State’s Debt Situation

In response to allegations from the opposition regarding the state’s debt exceeding Rs 1.20 lakh crore, Chief Minister Sukhu disagreed with these claims. He asserted that the total debt of Himachal Pradesh is currently around Rs 99,000 crore. This statement aims to clarify the financial standing of the state amidst ongoing political discourse.

Sukhu acknowledged the financial pressures resulting from the cessation of revenue deficit grants (RDG), which have added strain to the state’s budget. He highlighted that the government is resorting to interest-free loans to meet its financial obligations. This approach is intended to manage the state’s fiscal needs without incurring additional debt burdens.

Looking ahead, Chief Minister Sukhu expressed hope that Himachal Pradesh could achieve self-sufficiency in health and education sectors by the year 2030. This vision reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents while ensuring sustainable financial practices.

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