Wednesday, June, 03,2026

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Sukhu announces temporary salary cuts in Himachal budget, state outlay reduced by Rs 3,586 crore amid fiscal crunch

Shimla : 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, not for elections. I seek six months' support from all sections, and I assure that Himachal Pradesh will move towards self-reliance," Sukhu said.
Announcing stringent expenditure control measures, the Chief Minister said that 50% of his salary, 30% of ministers' salaries and 20% of MLAs' salaries would be deferred for six months, while senior bureaucrats, including the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretaries, Secretaries and DGP-rank officers, would see a 30% deferment, and other officials 20%.
Police officers from ADGP to DIG rank would also face 30% deferment, SP-level officers 20%, and other staff 20%, while the planned 3% salary increment for employees would be deferred for six months, with Group D employees not receiving the increase during this period. The government also indicated that it may appeal to the judiciary for similar voluntary deferment measures.
The budget presentation witnessed disruptions, with opposition members staging protests and entering the well of the House, leading to interruptions and a brief adjournment.
Proceedings resumed after nearly 30 minutes, and the Chief Minister continued his address, reading the 134-page budget speech for about four hours.
Highlighting revenue concerns, Sukhu blamed the Centre for discontinuing the RDG, terming it a major setback.
"We should have been given a green bonus. Instead, the Revenue Deficit Grant has been stopped, putting additional pressure on the state." He also flagged pending dues of around Rs 7,000 crore under BBMB and GST compensation, estimated losses of Rs 25,000 crore due to GST rationalization and a rising debt burden, asserting that the government would move away from populist decisions and focus on fiscal consolidation.

Despite financial constraints, the government reiterated its commitment to fulfilling election guarantees in a phased manner, announcing Rs 500 crore for over 300 pending development works in rural sectors and launching the "Mukhyamantri Apna Sukhi Parivar Yojana" to benefit one lakh poor families, including 300 units of free electricity and phased financial assistance.
Social security measures were expanded, including increasing pensions for visually impaired persons up to Rs 3,000 per month, while Rs 1,544 crore was allocated for women, child development and social welfare.
In agriculture and allied sectors, the budget focused on strengthening the rural economy by increasing MSPs for key crops, allocating Rs 734 crore for animal husbandry, announcing a State Kisan Commission, and launching a Rs 300 crore scheme for nomadic communities, along with Rs 62 crore for poultry development and a push for natural farming under the Rajiv Gandhi Prakrit Krishi Yojana.

The fisheries sector will see the launch of the Mukhyamantri Fishermen Scheme with subsidies on equipment and infrastructure, along with the establishment of an Integrated Aqua Park in Nadaun and annual support for fishermen.
Tourism, contributing 7.78% to GSDP, received a boost through PPP-based promotion, digital systems, expansion of Kangra airport, and development of eco-tourism, ropeways and film policy incentives.
Employment and industry measures include 500 campus placement drives, overseas job opportunities for youth, subsidies for e-vehicles, a new industrial policy, and the proposed cyber city at Waknaghat along with AI and data science initiatives.
In education and governance, the government announced the introduction of four-year undergraduate programmes, expansion of CBSE curriculum, a ban on mobile phones in schools, and AI-enabled citizen services.
The health sector received an allocation of Rs 2,868 crore, including modernisation of medical colleges, ICU expansion, robotic surgery facilities, and tele-oncology services.
Urban development plans include a Rs 400 crore Central Business District project in Shimla, Rs 200 crore in Hamirpur, 24x7 water supply in Shimla, and the establishment of water purification centres.

The budget also emphasised green initiatives such as electric buses, carbon tourism parks and biodiversity conservation, while social initiatives include anti-drug programmes, orphan care facilities, and recruitment of women police officers.
Reiterating his government's resolve, Sukhu said, "The people of Himachal are as strong as the mountains. We will take tough decisions, secure our rights, and ensure sustainable development despite financial challenges."
The budget reflects a combination of austerity measures and targeted welfare spending as the state seeks to manage fiscal stress while sustaining development and social commitments.  

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Daily Astro

03-06-2026

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Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

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Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

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Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

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Capricorn

Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!

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Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

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Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

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Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

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Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

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Leo

Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!

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Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

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Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

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Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

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03-06-2026