‘Result Of Freebies’: BJP Blasts Himachal Pradesh Amid Reports Of Financial Crisis

Shimla: Several government employees in Himachal Pradesh reported on Tuesday that they have yet to receive their September salaries, raising concerns about the state's financial management. The Leader of Opposition in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Jairam Thakur, sharply criticized Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, accusing the government of mishandling the state's finances. 

"It's now September 3, and employees have not received their salaries, nor have pensions been disbursed," Thakur said. “This indicates a severe economic crisis in Himachal Pradesh. We have issued a notice to discuss this issue during the Assembly session.”

Thakur attributed the situation to the Congress-led government's inefficiency, stating, “Despite Congress not having completed three years in office, we are already witnessing issues such as unpaid salaries and pensions.”

"The reason is the false guarantees that were made to gain power. When they proceeded to implement some of the guarantees, the state plunged into financial crisis. The Congress government is responsible, they should understand this. We will obviously answer to the government during the discussion in the Vidhan Sabha. Himachal Pradesh is going through a big financial crisis, the CM should take it seriously. They used to talk about employees, forget pension, they are not even getting salaries, medical reimbursement. The promises of freebies, like Rahul Gandhi says, 'khatakhat, khatakhat', are responsible, it has opened the eyes of people in the entire country, the result of freebies is this. The employees would not get salaries on time and the crisis would deepen further," he added. 

Sanjeev Sharma, Chairman of the Secretariat Employees Association, confirmed the delays, stating, “We normally receive our salaries on the first of each month. However, as of today, salaries have not been distributed. We have been informed that some employees will receive their salaries by September 5, while others will have to wait until September 10.”

Sharma expressed concern about the procedural lapses, stating, “The state budget includes provisions for employee salaries and Dearness Allowance. The delay suggests significant bureaucratic oversight.”

Geeta Sharma, President of the Gazetted Officers Association, emphasized the personal impact of the delay, saying, “Had we been informed earlier, we could have made alternative arrangements. Many people budget their expenses around their salary payment date.”

CM Sukhu Dismisses Criticism 

In response, Chief Minister Sukhu dismissed the opposition's criticism, accusing them of contributing to legislative disruptions. "The opposition's refusal to participate in debates post-Question Hour shows their own political bankruptcy," Sukhu remarked. 

He also highlighted the strain on the state's budget, noting that Himachal Pradesh spends approximately ₹25,000 crores annually on salaries, which may have contributed to the current financial strain.