TNR
Himachal Pradesh is grappling with a financial crunch, raising concerns about timely salary and pension disbursements for government employees and retirees.
With December 1 falling on a Sunday, speculation is rife about when payments will be made on time. The state requires Rs 1,200 crore monthly for salaries and Rs 800 crore for pensions, amounting to Rs 2,000 crore.
The month of October saw advance payments due to Diwali, as the Centre released an early share of Rs 1,479 crore in central taxes. This liquidity allowed the government to provide not only salaries and pensions but also a 4% dearness allowance (DA) hike. However, for December, the central tax share of Rs 740 crore is expected only around December 8-9, leaving the treasury stretched.
In September, retirees got pension on 9th
Revenue streams include Rs 520 crore from the revenue deficit grant, Rs 740 crore from central taxes and approximately Rs 1,200 crore from state revenue. Yet, these funds do not arrive simultaneously, complicating disbursements. While salaries might be paid by December 5, pensions could face delays, as seen in September when retirees received payments by the 9th.
The Opposition BJP has criticised the Congress-led government for its financial mismanagement, claiming that even routine salary payments are proving difficult. BJP leader Randhir Sharma called the situation unprecedented, accusing the government of poor planning.
CM Sukhu calls his government ‘pro-employee’
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu dismissed the allegations, asserting that his government is committed to employee welfare. He highlighted the restoration of the old pension scheme (OPS) and the unprecedented move of paying salaries and pensions twice in October as evidence of effective financial management.
Sukhu emphasised that despite challenges, his administration aims to make the state financially robust by 2027.
