Shimla, Mar 17 (PTI) Cabinet ranks to advisors and top officials of state government commissions, corporations and administrative bodies have been withdrawn in Himachal Pradesh, according to an official order.
The Himachal Pradesh government has also deferred payment of 20 per cent of their emoluments up to September 2026, it said.
Following this order, no one would enjoy cabinet rank except cabinet ministers.
In a communication sent to all administrative secretaries, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta on Tuesday said the decision has been taken to streamline “administrative protocol”.
The status of cabinet rank has been reviewed and the government has decided to withdraw the cabinet rank conferred on advisors, chairpersons, deputy and vice chairpersons of boards, corporations and commissions, the chief secretary said.
Further, 20 per cent of their monthly emoluments will also stay deferred till September 30, 2026, the communication added.
Political advisor, media advisor and IT advisor to CM; chairpersons of the tourism corporation, State Finance Commission; and deputy chairperson of the Planning Board were among those who had been given cabinet rank.
Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said this was just a “political gimmick” as the Congress has been in power for over three years in the state.
He claimed that the Congress high command had pulled up the state government for giving out cabinet ranks to officials, following which this decision was taken. PTI BPL SKY SKY
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