The Himachal Pradesh government is facing mounting protests after withdrawing a provision that had entitled thousands of state employees to higher grade pay benefits. The controversy erupted after the Finance Department issued a fresh notification scrapping Rule 7-A of the Himachal Pradesh Civil Services Rules, which had been introduced under the Sixth Pay Commission.
The rollback has sparked widespread concern among employees, particularly those in the police department and those attached to the Chief Minister’s security, who met CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu late on 6 September, to convey their worries. They highlighted that the decision would result in salary cuts ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 per month, creating significant financial strain and making it difficult for many to service loans taken on the basis of the earlier revised pay scales.
The chief minister assured the employees that their concerns would be considered, and the government would review the notification in the coming days. Earlier, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh had also indicated that the issue would soon be discussed with the CM, while Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) Chairman RS Bali met employees in Kangra and promised to take up the matter at the highest level.
The issue has its roots in 6 September, 2022, when the then government formally granted higher grade pay to employees in 89 categories who had completed two years of regular service. Several employees had fought legal battles to secure the benefit after initially being denied. The Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled in their favour in 2024, directing the government to extend the benefit, which was implemented earlier this year.
As protests intensify, all eyes are now on the state government’s review, which could decide whether the rollback stands or is withdrawn under mounting political and public pressure.