TNR News Network
SHIMLA:
The Himachal Pradesh government has rolled back a decision of the previous Jai Ram Thakur regime that had granted a higher pay scale to 89 categories of employees after completing two years of regular service.
The Himachal Pradesh Finance Department has issued a notification withdrawing the January 2022 order, instructing departments to re-fix salaries. The reversal has triggered widespread anger among employees, who allege that they are being forced to bear monthly losses ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000.
Leaders of multiple employee unions held a virtual meeting on Sunday, condemning the move as “unjust, impractical and against natural justice”. They accused the government of failing to pay pending Dearness Allowance (DA) and arrears, and now withdrawing a crucial financial benefit at a time when the state is battling economic and disaster-related challenges.
Unions threaten strike, demand immediate rollback
The Himachal Pradesh Non-Gazetted Employees Federation has warned of agitation if the notification is not withdrawn immediately. “Some officials are misleading the Chief Minister, prompting anti-employee decisions,” a leader of the federation alleged, adding that employees may resort to pen-down strikes until the benefit is restored.
Another employee leader met Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at Hotel Peterhoff on Monday (September 8, 2025) to press for withdrawal of the order. The CITU state committee has also slammed the decision, terming it an attack on workers’ fundamental rights. The committee accused the government of splurging on “favourites, re-employed officers and political appointees” while denying dues to staff, labourers and farmers.
A federation leader termed the move “dictatorial”, while the Himachal Government Teachers’ Association warned that the step would stall career progression and morale. Several pensioners’ and staff bodies have urged the government to reconsider immediately, cautioning that continued disregard could escalate into state-wide protests.
Political, organisational leaders join chorus
Opposition BJP leaders have seized on the controversy, blaming the Congress government for “ill-thought-out promises” and financial mismanagement. “Employees feel deeply cheated. The withdrawal of higher grade pay is unacceptable and will have long-term consequences,” a BJP spokesperson said.
