Shimla, March 17 Cabinet ranks have been withdrawn for advisors and top officials of state government commissions, corporations, and administrative bodies in Himachal Pradesh, according to an official order.
The Himachal Pradesh government has also deferred payment of 20 per cent of their salaries up to September 2026, it said.
Following this order, no one except cabinet ministers will hold cabinet rank.
In a communication sent to all administrative secretaries, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta said on Tuesday that the decision has been taken to "streamline administrative protocol".
The status of cabinet rank has been reviewed, and the government has decided to withdraw the cabinet rank conferred on advisors, chairpersons, deputy and vice chairpersons of boards, corporations, and commissions, the chief secretary said.
Further, 20 per cent of their monthly salaries will also remain deferred until September 30, 2026, the communication added.
Those who had been given cabinet rank included the political advisor, media advisor, and IT advisor to the CM; the chairpersons of the tourism corporation and the State Finance Commission; and the deputy chairperson of the Planning Board.
Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said this was just a "political gimmick" as the Congress has been in power for over three years in the state.
He claimed that the Congress high command had pulled up the state government for giving out cabinet ranks to officials, following which this decision was taken.