Himachal salary cut for Covid draws sharp reaction

Tribune News Service

Shimla, April 21

The Himachal Government’s decision to order a cut in salary of its employees for the HP Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund has evoked a sharp reaction from the public on social media.

The Department of Health and Family Welfare today issued orders for deducting two-day salary from the emoluments of Class I and II officials and one-day cut in case of Class III and IV staff. The employees of the health department have been exempted from the cut.

People took to social media to lash out at the government over the cut, bringing up the “wasteful expenditure” on luxury vehicles of ministers and bureaucrats and their huge travel expenses. Some criticised the decision while mentioning the government’s move to take on lease a Russian helicopter for the Chief Minister’s official engagements. Some said that while enhanced pay and other benefits were yet to be given to employees, there was no check on the government’s extravagance.

“Despite several social welfare measures taken by the state government during the Covid pandemic, hardships might still be faced by the citizens, particularly the poor and marginalised sections of society,” the order read while justifying the cut. It further stated that the need of the hour was to coordinate efforts of the state government, civil society and all citizens to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure which required funds.

An appeal was also made to the well-off people to make liberal contribution and donations to the HP Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

CM, ministers, MLAs to contribute too

• The CM and ministers will contribute a month’s salary and MLAs 2-day salary to Covid fund
• The Cabinet approval will come at a meeting on Thursday, CM Jai Ram Thakur said