Shimla, March 21 -- In a major austerity push, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday announced a six-month deferment of salaries for ministers, legislators and senior officials, along with Rs 3,586 crore reduction in the overall budget size.

The Chief Minister, who presented the 2026-27 budget in the state assembly, sought support of all sections and said the state will move towards self-reliance.

The total budget outlay has been reduced from Rs 58,514 crore in 2025-26 to Rs 54,928 crore for 2026-27, reflecting what the Chief Minister described as "extraordinary financial challenges" following the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) by the Centre.

"We are working for the state and its people, n...