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 himself, his cabinet, and senior officials. Presenting a tightened Rs.54,928 crore budget for 2026-27, Sukhu reduced the overall outlay by Rs.3,586 crore compared to the previous year, citing "extraordinary financial challenges" triggered by the Centre's discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG).

The chief minister announced that 50% of his own salary, 30% for ministers, and 20% for MLAs would be deferred. The move extends to the bureaucracy, with the chief secretary, director general of police, and other senior officers facing a 30% deferment, while mid-level officers an...