CM makes a big announcement. Today, on Monday, the Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu-led government of Himachal Pradesh has unveiled its third budget during its term. The total budget amounts to 58,514 crores, which is an increase of 70 crores compared to the previous budget. In this budget, the Chief Minister has announced benefits for employee pensioners, Anganwadi workers, outsourced staff, and laborers. A 3 percent dearness allowance for state employees has also been introduced, set to take effect from May 15, 2025.

 

While addressing retired employees, the Chief Minister mentioned that pensioners aged between 70 and 75 will receive their arrears starting May 15. The arrears for Class IV to Class I employees and officers will be distributed in phases, benefiting around 175,000 employees.

 

Wage and remuneration increases

 

The budget includes a hike of Rs 20 in the daily wages for MNREGA workers, bringing their daily pay to Rs 320, up from Rs 300. This change will positively impact millions of workers across the state.

 

Outsourced workers will now earn Rs 12,750 per month

 

Anganwadi workers will receive Rs 10,000, Mini Anganwadi workers will get Rs 7,300, assistants will earn Rs 9,800, Asha workers will also receive Rs 9,800, MDM workers will be paid Rs 5,000, water carriers will earn Rs 5,500, and water guards will receive Rs 5,600.

 

Sewing teachers, multi-task workers in Public Works, SMC, and IT teachers are getting a boost in their honorarium by Rs 500. The Panchayat Chowkidar will now earn Rs 8,500, while the Revenue Numberdar will receive Rs 4,500 each month. Outsourced operation theatre workers will take home Rs 17,820 monthly, and outsourced radiologists will earn Rs 25,000 per month.

 

A little something for public representatives too

 

The Sukhu government has raised the honorarium for Panchayati Raj representatives. The monthly pay for the District Council President and Vice President has gone up by Rs 1,000 each, and members will see an increase of Rs 500. For the Panchayat Samiti, both the President and Vice President will get an extra Rs 600, while members will receive an additional Rs 300.

 

Now, the Zila Parishad president will earn Rs 25,000, the vice-president will get Rs 19,000, and members will take home Rs 8,300 each month. The Panchayat Samiti president will receive Rs 12,000, the vice-president Rs 9,000, the Panchayat Pradhan Rs 7,500, the Deputy Pradhan Rs 5,100, and ward members will earn Rs 1,050 for each meeting they attend.