Himachal: CM Orders Probe into Grade Pay Notification Controversy, Action Likely Against Officials
A major controversy has erupted in Himachal Pradesh after a notification was issued withdrawing the higher grade pay benefits for government employees. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has taken serious note of the issue and sought a detailed report from the Finance Department. The notification was reportedly issued without informing the CM, prompting the government to initiate an inquiry.
Following the CM’s displeasure, the controversial notification has been put on hold immediately. The CM assured employees that those already receiving the benefit will continue to do so, and no one’s pay grade will be affected.
The Finance Department had wrongly issued a notification that withdrew grade pay benefits from 89 categories of existing employees, despite the policy being intended only for future recruitments. This move sparked outrage among government employees across the state, forcing the Chief Minister to personally step in and calm the situation.
OPS Implemented in First Cabinet Meeting
A state government spokesperson emphasized that the government is employee-friendly. The Old Pension Scheme (OPS) was implemented in the very first cabinet meeting of the Sukhu government, benefiting 1.36 lakh employees. Pension amounts that were earlier ₹2,500 to ₹3,000 have now risen to ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 monthly under OPS.
However, the implementation of OPS has led the central government to halt ₹1,600 crore in monthly financial aid to the state. Additionally, ₹10,000 crore of NPS contributions remain with the central government and have not been returned.
The Chief Minister has made it clear: no guilty official will be spared in this matter.
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