Shimla, September 01: In a drama that highlights the financial mismanagement in Himachal Pradesh, the state government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is reportedly preparing to delay the disbursement of salaries and pensions of employees. The scheme will see salaries paid on the 5th of every month and pensions on the 10th, causing serious concern among employees and pensioners who depend on timely payments for their financial obligations.
While the state government is considering these delays, which could significantly disrupt the financial planning of employees, rumours have surfaced about some shocking financial moves. Reportedly, CM Sukhu has overseen several high-profile appointments, with over 100 close confidants being appointed as chairmen, vice-chairmen, OSDs (officers on special duty), media coordinators and members of the social media team. These positions are reportedly drawing huge salaries from the state treasury, leading to allegations of favouritism and mismanagement.
The BJP has capitalized on these reports and levelled serious allegations against the Sukhu administration. The opposition party has accused the government of prioritising political patronage over the welfare of its employees and the financial health of the state. According to BJP spokespersons, these alleged appointments and salary hikes for CM Sukhu’s confidants are a glaring example of the administration’s neglect of financial responsibility.
Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur criticized the government’s financial policies, claiming that employees face delays in their salaries while those in the inner circle reap the benefits of increased salaries and prestigious appointments. “It seems that the only thing that is moving quickly is the salary hikes of those close to the government,” Thakur said. “Meanwhile, the hardworking employees who run the state are left grappling with financial uncertainty.”
The state’s finances are indeed very bad, with debt levels crossing ₹20,000 crore within just 18 months under Sukhu’s administration. By the end of the year, the figure is expected to reach ₹1 lakh crore. Critics argue that this massive debt burden has been further compounded by questionable financial decisions, such as allegedly pledging the Employees Provident Fund (GPF) to obtain loans.
Moreover, the government’s spending on legal battles, including an alleged ₹6 crore spent on Delhi lawyers to defend “unconstitutional appointments”, has further fuelled criticism. Opponents argue that these expenditures are a sign of a government that is more concerned with protecting its interests than solving the state’s economic challenges.
In a scathing criticism, Thakur accused the Sukhu government of deliberately delaying salaries to hide financial mismanagement. “This delay will create serious problems for employees who have to meet their financial commitments on time,” Thakur warned. “This is a classic case of decisions taken by those in power, which further increases the burden of the common people.”
The Sukhu government is dealing with these disputes, but the irony is that state employees are facing financial stress while those in high positions of power are insulated from the economic woes plaguing the rest of the state. As the situation unfolds, the central question remains: is this really about financial prudence, or is it a convenient way to hide deeper issues within the state’s administration?
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