Himachal Day announcement: Rs 1,500 aid for women, salary deferral rollback signals course correction
Reckong Peo/ Shimla, Apr 15,
Direct implications for households, government employees and the grassroots economy were evident as Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday announced a series of welfare and administrative measures during the state-level Himachal Day function in Reckong Peo.
A major announcement was a monthly assistance of Rs 1,500 for eligible women in Kinnaur under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi scheme. The benefit will be provided to women aged 21 years and above from families with an annual income below Rs 2 lakh.
The Chief Minister also announced the withdrawal of the earlier decision to defer a portion of salaries of Class-I and Class-II officers, a move likely to address concerns among sections of the bureaucracy. However, deferment of salaries for senior political functionaries and top officials will continue.
The government further stated that pending gratuity, leave encashment and other dues of Class-IV employees who retired in earlier specified periods will be cleared by May.
In another decision, non-gazetted police personnel will be granted an honorary higher rank at the time of retirement, subject to their service record.
Also read:HP CM ‘Sukhu’ announces DA hike during Himachal Day celebration at Kaza
The State government also indicated plans to introduce a uniform fee structure in schools to reduce disparities, though detailed guidelines are yet to be issued.
Other announcements included support for infrastructure and development works in Kinnaur, such as improving connectivity, shifting the Polytechnic College closer to the district, expanding CBSE-linked schooling and introducing geothermal-based heating systems in cold regions.
During the event, a colourful cultural programme was also presented by various cultural troupes.
Earlier, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a sewerage scheme at Sunnam to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 8.72 crore and a flood protection scheme in Gram Panchayat Kafnoo costing Rs. 2.51 crore. Additionally, he inaugurated the Solding-Chaura road, built at a cost of Rs. 4.88 crore.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Nardev Singh Kanwar, Vice Chairman of HP Forest Development Corporation Kehar Singh Khachi, Chairman Milkfed Budhi Singh Thakur, Chairman Himcon Vikesh Chauhan, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, Secretary to the Chief Minister Ashish Singhmar, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Amit Kumar Sharma, Superintendent of Police Sushil Kumar Sharma, along with other senior officers and Congress representatives were also present on the occasion.
The announcements come at a time when the state is facing financial pressure due to changes in central funding, and reflect an effort to balance welfare measures with fiscal management.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
