The 19-day budget session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly concluded on Friday, leaving behind a trail of criticism and public debate.
The session, held against the backdrop of a severe financial crisis, saw the unanimous passage of a Bill to increase the salaries of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and ministers by 24%—a move that sparked widespread controversy.
Salary Hike Justified Amid Economic Struggles
Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, however, justified that this salary hike was affected for MLAs after nine years and that their allowances for phone, electricity and water bills were now being withdrawn.
The MLAs, cutting across party lines, supported the hike, holding that they were not able to meet their expenses with the salary they get, comparing their salary and status with the Secretaries and Chief Secretary in the state.
However, the decision was met with sharp criticism from the public, especially given the state’s ongoing financial constraints. Many questioned how the government could justify increasing its own salaries while delaying payments to government employees and pensioners.
Opposition BJP Faces Backlash
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had strongly criticized the Congress-led government a day earlier for alleged corruption, financial mismanagement, and the failure to meet employees’ dues, found itself in an awkward position.
Despite its accusations of the Congress government pushing the state into a debt trap, the BJP fully supported the salary hike in the Assembly, leading to widespread condemnation on social media.
Public sentiment grew more hostile towards both the ruling and opposition parties, particularly as unemployed youth and pensioners continued to suffer the impact of the state’s financial woes.
“We do not oppose their salary hike, but we strongly oppose the insensitivity of politicians who ignore the struggles of unemployed youth and government employees awaiting their rightful dues,” remarked some senior citizens.
Budget Passed Amid Criticism of Centre
During the session, the Assembly also passed the state budget amounting to Rs 62,387.61 crore.
The Congress government repeatedly blamed the Central government for the state’s financial distress, accusing it of failing to provide adequate financial assistance.
However, the ruling party assured that it was implementing measures to boost revenue generation.
Tense Exchanges Over Law and Order
The session witnessed intense debates between ruling and opposition members over the deteriorating law and order situation in Himachal Pradesh.
The opposition cited incidents such as a daylight shooting at the residence of a former Congress MLA on Holi to allege the emergence of a ‘contract killing’ culture under the Congress regime.
Also Read: Himachal to introduce strict Bill against 'chitta' smuggling
Unresolved Mystery: Vimal Negi Case Sparks Political Row
The mysterious death of Vimal Negi, General Manager-cum-Chief Engineer of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), also took center stage in the Assembly. Negi had gone missing on March 10, and his body was recovered from the Bhakra Dam near Jhandutta in Bilaspur district on March 18.
His family alleged that he had been subjected to prolonged harassment by the Power Corporation’s management, linking his death to corruption within the organization, particularly concerning a solar power project in Una.
BJP leaders, who visited Negi’s family in his native village Katgaon in Kinnaur district, vociferously demanded a CBI inquiry into the matter. The Congress government, while refraining from a CBI probe, ordered an internal investigation led by the Additional Chief Secretary, mandating a report within 15 days.
The government also suspended a Director and sent the Managing Director, who was immediately removed, on leave. Both officials were named in the FIR lodged by Negi’s wife, accusing them of abetment to suicide.
Stricter Drug Law Passed, But Questions Remain
The Assembly also passed a Bill to strengthen existing laws against drug trafficking, particularly concerning chitta (a synthetic drug).
However, legal experts and opposition members raised concerns about its alignment with the already stringent Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, questioning its effectiveness and enforcement.
The budget session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly concluded amid public discontent and political turbulence.
While the government attempted to address the financial crisis and law and order concerns, its decision to approve a salary hike for MLAs and ministers overshadowed the session’s proceedings, fueling criticism over governance priorities.
With growing unrest among government employees, pensioners, and unemployed youth, the coming months will test the government’s ability to navigate the state’s economic and administrative challenges.
Also Read: BJP to protest 'mafia raj' in Himachal on March 27: Bindal
Follow us
