Himachal Cabinet Rank withdrawn for Board, Corporation appointees; 20% Salary deferred
Shimla, March 17,
The Himachal Pradesh government has ordered that Himachal Cabinet Rank withdrawn for Board, Corporation appointees; 20% salary deferred till September 2026, as part of administrative protocol review amid the state’s ongoing financial strain.
Amid continuing concerns over the financial strain facing the Himachal Pradesh government and the controversy surrounding political appointments enjoying cabinet-rank privileges, the state government has ordered the immediate withdrawal of the ‘Cabinet Rank’ status granted to chairpersons, vice-chairpersons and other authorities associated with various boards, corporations and commissions.
An official communication issued by the General Administration Department on March 17 states that the government has reviewed the administrative protocol relating to the conferment of ‘Cabinet Rank’ and decided to withdraw the status with immediate effect for several categories of appointees including chairmen, vice-chairmen, deputy chairmen of boards, corporations and commissions, as well as principal advisors and political advisors.
The order, issued under the directions of the Chief Secretary to all Administrative Secretaries of the state, states that the decision has been taken as part of a move to streamline administrative protocol. It effectively removes the protocol privileges and status that had earlier been extended to such appointees through cabinet-rank designation.
The notification also specifies that 20 per cent of the salary or monthly emoluments of these authorities will remain deferred until September 30, 2026, indicating continued fiscal restraint measures being adopted by the state government.
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The instructions have been issued by Joint Secretary (GAD) Kulvinder Singh, directing all administrative secretaries to take necessary action and circulate the orders among authorities under their administrative control for immediate compliance.
The decision assumes significance in the backdrop of the ongoing debate in the state over fiscal management and government expenditure, particularly at a time when the administration has been facing criticism over financial constraints and austerity measures.
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