Himachal Pradesh Revokes Cabinet Ranks and Defers Payments

The Himachal Pradesh government has withdrawn cabinet ranks from advisors and officials of state commissions and corporations, citing a restructuring of 'administrative protocol'. Payments for these officials are also deferred by 20% until September 2026. The Opposition labels this move a 'political gimmick'.

In a significant reshuffle, the Himachal Pradesh government has withdrawn cabinet ranks from advisors and top officials tied to state government bodies, including commissions and corporations. The decision, as outlined in an official order, is said to aim at streamlining 'administrative protocol'.

The communication from Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta specifies that the restructuring will also defer 20% of these officials' emoluments through September 2026. Consequently, only cabinet ministers will now enjoy cabinet status.

Opposition Leader Jai Ram Thakur criticized the move as a mere 'political gimmick,' attributing it to pressure from the Congress high command over the dispensation's allocation of cabinet ranks.

(With inputs from agencies.)