Tight budget in Himachal Pradesh: Part of salaries of CM, others deferred for 6 months

SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh has decided to defer part of salaries across various levels of govt for six months, citing "serious financial situation". CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Saturday that 50% of his salary will be deferred, 30% for the deputy CM and cabinet ministers, and 20% for MLAs, chairpersons, vice-chairpersons and political appointee advisors.Among senior bureaucracy, a 30% deferment will apply to senior officials, including chief secretary, DGP, additional chief secretaries, ADGPs, principal secretaries and senior forest officers. A 20% cut will apply to secretaries, heads of departments, IGPs, DIGs, SSPs, SPs and other forest officials. Group A and B officers will face a 3% deferment for six months, while Group C and D staff are exempt. Respecting constitutional independence of the judiciary, the state has urged the high court to consider a voluntary six-month deferment - 20% for district and additional district judges, 3% for Group A and B judicial officers, and up to 30% at high court level.HP govt proposes 'orphan & widow cess' on petrol, high-speed diesel In his fourth budget, Sukhu announced a total outlay of Rs 54,928 crore for the 2025-26 fiscal. The budget reflects a reduction of Rs 3,568 crore from the previous fiscal, primarily due to the discontinuation of revenue deficit grant (RDG) and state's increasing debt burden. Sukhu criticised the Centre for halting RDG, saying it cost the state an average annual loss of Rs 8,105 crore, leading to a projected revenue deficit of Rs 6,577 crore for the upcoming cycle.Govt will raise the procurement price of cow milk from Rs 51 to Rs 61 per litre and buffalo milk from Rs 61 to Rs 71 per litre. MSP of turmeric has been hiked from Rs 90 to Rs 150 per kg and ginger brought under its ambit for the first time at Rs 30 per kg. Govt has also introduced the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing an 'Orphan and Widow Cess' on petrol and high-speed diesel to mop up funds for social welfare schemes.Sukhu said, "State govt has been providing financial aid and welfare support to orphans and widows from economically weaker sections. It has been considered necessary to levy a specific cess on petrol and high speed diesel at the point of first sale to ensure a sustainable source of revenue for such welfare measures." The cess has a ceiling of Rs 5 per litre.