Shimla, April 15
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday announced the withdrawal of a 3 percent salary deferment for Class I and II officers, marking Himachal Day celebrations in Reckong Peo. Addressing the 79th statehood event, he said pending gratuity and leave encashment dues of Class IV employees retired between 2016 and 2021 would be cleared by May. However, partial salary cuts for ministers, legislators and senior officials will continue due to the state’s financial constraints.
He also announced ₹1,500 monthly assistance for eligible women in Kinnaur under a welfare scheme and said non-gazetted police personnel would be granted an honorary higher rank upon retirement.
Marking the occasion, the chief minister presented State-Level Awards 2026, recognising individuals and institutions for outstanding contributions. Civil Services Awards were given to officials including Apoorv Devgan and Smritika Negi, while Prerna Srot Samman honoured achievers such as Charu Sharma and Chhonzin Angmo, along with members of the Indian women’s kabaddi team.
The Himachal Gaurav Award was conferred on several distinguished personalities, including Padma Shri awardee Prem Lal Gautam and other professionals from across the state. District-level honours were also presented to police and public works personnel for exemplary service.
During the event, land ownership rights were granted to 24 families under the Forest Rights Act, while financial assistance was provided to construction workers to support housing for vulnerable groups.
Several development initiatives were also announced, including geothermal-based central heating in Reckong Peo, a tunnel to improve connectivity to Taranda village, and key education and infrastructure projects. Plans for a ₹415 crore power transmission line and the resumption of border trade through Shipki-La from June were also highlighted, alongside growing tourism in border areas.
