Call it a step to bring in administrative discipline or a political move ahead of the Budget Session of the state Assembly resuming on March 18, the Himachal Pradesh government on Tuesday withdrew the ‘Cabinet rank’ status accorded to Chairpersons, Vice Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of boards, corporations and commissions, as well as Principal Advisors and Political Advisors, in the state, forthwith.
Twenty per cent of their salary or monthly emoluments will remain deferred till September 30, 2026, according to a letter issued by the Chief Secretary, Government of Himachal Pradesh, to all Administrative Secretaries, asking them to take necessary action expeditiously.
Now, only ministers in the state will have Cabinet rank. The ‘Cabinet rank’ status of these categories was reviewed to streamline ‘administrative control’, the Chief Secretary’s letter said.
With this decision, Chief Minister’s close confidants and the first appointees in the government, Principal Media Advisor Naresh Chauhan, Political Advisor Sunil Sharma, IT Advisor Gokul Butail, and Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) R S Bali, will lose their Cabinet rank status, among many others.
Although the decision signals financial cuts, it may not have much financial impact as their monthly salaries or emoluments have only been deferred for six months. However, it may help calm political criticism amid the ongoing financial crisis, deepened by the withdrawal of the Revenue Deficit Grant.
The opposition BJP, right from the very beginning, has criticised Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for doling out Cabinet ranks to several close associates for no reason.
Also, with many non-elected individuals holding Cabinet ranks, there had been simmering discontent within the Cabinet also, as some ministers were unhappy with the arrangement.
A section of people believes that the step also signals stricter financial measures that the Chief Minister may incorporate in his Budget proposals for 2026–27.
Also read: Himachal budget to focus on self-reliance: Sukhu
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