Shimla, March 17 Cabinet ranks for advisors and top officials of state government commissions, corporations, and administrative bodies have been withdrawn in Himachal Pradesh, according to an official order.
The Himachal Pradesh government has also deferred payment of 20 per cent of their emoluments up to September 2026, it said.
In a communication sent to all administrative secretaries, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta on Tuesday said the decision has been taken to streamline "administrative protocol".
However, in a post on X, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu cited financial constraints and said,"We are taking these measures to make the state self-reliant".
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 emoluments will also stay deferred till September 30, 2026," the communication added.
Political advisor, media advisor and IT advisor to CM; chairpersons of the tourism corporation and the State Finance Commission; and deputy chairperson of the Planning Board were among those who had been given cabinet rank.
Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said it was just a "political gimmick" as the Congress has taken the step after being 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.
"Our government has withdrawn all Cabinet-rank privileges accorded to the Chairpersons, Vice-Chairpersons, and Advisors of all Boards, Corporations, and Commissions. Furthermore, 20 per cent of their salaries and allowances have been deferred until September 30, 2026", Chief Minister Sukhu said on X.
"The 16th Finance Commission has discontinued the revenue deficit grant (RDG), resulting in an annual loss of approximately Rs 8,000 to 10,000 crore to the state and we are taking these measures to make the State self-reliant. In the future, further decisions will be taken in the best interest of the state," he added.