Himachal Pradesh CM Unveils Financial Relief for Employees Ahead of Diwali

Financial Aid Announced for Government Employees and Pensioners

SHIMLA: In a move to provide festive support ahead of Diwali, Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu declared a five percent dearness allowance (DA) increase for government employees and pensioners, benefiting approximately 3.5 lakh individuals statewide. This announcement includes a four percent increase along with an additional one percent that was pending from the previous year.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister revealed a one-time payment of ₹10,000 for both Class-IV employees and pensioners. The formal notification regarding the DA adjustment is set to be released on November 1.

State's Financial Overview and Debt Concerns

During a press conference in Shimla, Sukhu also discussed the state's financial health, addressing allegations from the opposition regarding public debt and ongoing protests against the government.

The Chief Minister reported that Himachal Pradesh's total outstanding debt stands at ₹99,564 crore. He noted that the previous BJP administration, led by former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, had accumulated ₹43,261 crore in debt over its five-year term, while his government has borrowed ₹37,781 crore as of October 22, 2026.

This financial discourse comes amid a political clash, with Thakur claiming the state's debt has surpassed ₹1 lakh crore. Sukhu refuted this assertion, accusing Thakur of spreading misinformation, thus intensifying the political debate surrounding the state's fiscal management.

Support for Protests and Public Grievances

In response to ongoing protests against the state government, Sukhu emphasized that citizens and employees have the right to voice their concerns and grievances. His comments were made in light of demonstrations addressing various issues, particularly those affecting employees. The Chief Minister affirmed that the right to protest is a fundamental aspect of democracy, even when directed at the government.

The DA increase provides significant festive relief to a large segment of Himachal's government workforce and pensioners. However, the state's financial situation and the political discourse surrounding its debt are expected to remain pivotal in the government's interactions with the opposition in the near future.