Financial Crunch Hits Himachal, Salaries & Pensions Delayed
Despite expectations that payments would be made after the weekend, over two lakh regular employees were left without their usual salary deposits
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's efforts to allay concerns over the state's worsening financial situation have fallen short, as the fears of delayed salaries and pensions for government employees and retirees became a reality on Monday. Despite expectations that payments would be made after the weekend, over two lakh regular employees were left without their usual salary deposits, causing widespread anxiety.
Typically, salaries and pensions are credited on the first of each month, but with Sunday being a non-banking day, disbursements were expected on Monday. However, no payments were made, and there has been no official communication regarding when salaries will be disbursed. This uncertainty has caused significant concern within the Congress leadership and state bureaucracy, as they struggle to navigate the severe financial crisis.
In past administrations, while the state treasury occasionally faced deficits, salaries and pensions were always paid on time. This delay could signal a new, troubling norm, as the state's ability to raise further loans is exhausted, leaving Himachal Pradesh reliant on central government funds. Notably, employees and pensioners of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board, who have frequently faced delays in the past, were the only ones to receive timely payments this time.
