Sukhvinder Sukhu urges all affluent citizens to follow example
DHARAMSHALA (S Gopal Puri)
In a move aimed at setting a precedent for financial responsibility and bailing out the state’s debt-ridden economy, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has voluntarily relinquished the electricity subsidy on all five meters registered in his name.
The move comes months after Chief Minister Sukhu’s Principal Adviser for IT Gokul Butail had set an example by announcing to forego his monthly salary Rs 2.5 lakh until December 2024.
Call for affluent citizens to follow example
Addressing the media in Shimla, the Chief Minister submitted the necessary form for foregoing power subsidy to Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB) Chairman Sanjay Gupta. He also urged affluent citizens to follow his example.
The Chief Minister called on well-off individuals with multiple electricity meters to voluntarily forgo subsidies and assist in the state’s development. He outlined multiple ways for consumers to waive their subsidies — through the HPSEB’s online portal, helpline numbers 1100 or 1912 or by visiting their nearest electricity sub-division.
Cabinet, Congress MLAs join initiative
The Chief Minister revealed that all Cabinet members and Congress MLAs had agreed to surrender their subsidies following discussions.
Highlighting the state’s financial commitments, he noted that the government had been spending Rs 2,200 crore annually on electricity subsidies and Rs 200 crore monthly on salaries and pensions for electricity board employees.
Gokul Butail’s Exemplary Gesture
He emphasised that subsidies should be reserved for the underprivileged and called for collective efforts to build a fairer society.
Gokul Butailhad announced in August 2024 to forgo his monthly salary until December. Instead of his standard salary of Rs 2.5 lakh, Butail received a symbolic honorarium of Rs 1 per month.
In a letter to the Chief Minister then, Butail had explained that his decision was intended to set a moral example during the state’s ongoing financial hardships.
Himachal under Rs 90,000 crore debt
Himachal Pradesh is grappling with a debt of approximately Rs 90,000 crore, compounded by disaster-related liabilities following the 2023 rain tragedy when the state’s losses were pegged around Rs 10,000 crore.
The Himachal government has a fixed monthly liability of Rs 2,000 crore on account of salaries and pensions to employees alone. Of this, around Rs 1,200 crore is the salary bill while the rest is accounted for monthly pensions.
There have been months when the pensioners have got their monthly dues by 9th of month instead of the first day. Salaries have also been delayed once till the fifth day.
