The decision, taken a day before the state budget session, will affect the chairmen, vice-chairmen, deputy chairmen of boards and corporations, and principal and political advisers.
A day ahead of its budget session, the cash-strapped Himachal Pradesh government on Tuesday withdrew all ‘cabinet rank’ facilities accorded to chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, and other functionaries of various boards, corporations, and commissions, as well as principal and political advisers to the chief minister.
The government also decided to defer 20 per cent of their salaries and monthly emoluments till September 30, 2026.
The decision, conveyed through a notification issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), comes into immediate effect.
All administrative secretaries have been directed to ensure prompt implementation of the orders and to inform officials concerned under their jurisdiction.
As per the notification by Kulvinder Singh, Joint Secretary, GAD, the ‘cabinet rank’ status extended to several appointees—including chairmen, vice-chairmen, deputy chairmen of boards and corporations, and principal and political advisers—has been withdrawn forthwith as part of efforts to streamline administrative protocol and reduce expenditure.
Sources in the government said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu took the decision in view of the prevailing financial situation of the state, which is grappling with a debt burden exceeding Rs 1.40 lakh crore.
The move is being seen as part of a broader strategy to rationalise non-essential expenditure and improve fiscal discipline.
The government has been under increasing pressure to initiate structural reforms, particularly after the 16th Finance Commission reportedly recommended discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) for Himachal Pradesh for the financial year 2026–27.
The potential withdrawal of this crucial grant has raised concerns over the state’s financial sustainability, prompting the administration to explore austerity measures.
Officials indicated that the latest move is aligned with the government’s stated objective of moving towards a more self-reliant Himachal by curbing avoidable expenses.
The withdrawal of cabinet rank perks—often seen as a symbol of status and accompanied by additional benefits—is expected to result in significant savings for the exchequer.
The move assumes significance as the Sukhu-led government prepares to present its budget , with expectations of more cost-cutting measures and policy shifts in the coming days.
The budget session will commence on March 18 and will continue till March 21.
Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh.
He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting.
Professional Background
Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla.
This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters.
Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India.
Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions.
Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025)
His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh:
1.
"Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth.
2.
"Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025).
3.
"Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025)
4.
"How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand.
It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025)
Legal & Agricultural Affairs
"Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned.
3.
Governance & Environment
"Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act.
"Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters.
Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc:
crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023)
Signature Beats
Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic.
His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media.
His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs.
X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar
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Source: This article was originally published by The Indian Express
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