Himachal Govt Hikes Ministers’ Travel Allowances Amid Fiscal Crunch
In a move that has stirred quiet discontent, the Himachal Pradesh government has notified a hike in Ministers’ travelling allowances—raising mileage from ₹18 to ₹25 per kilometre and daily allowance from ₹1,800 to ₹2,500. The timing is striking: the announcement comes just days before the winter session, even as the government repeatedly warns citizens, employees, and legislators about the state’s fragile finances.
The revision, cleared back in 2024 but held back due to the financial crunch, has now been implemented under the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers Act, 2000, and will be known as the Himachal Pradesh Ministers’ Travelling Allowance (Amendment) Rules, 2025.
Optics of a Raise in Tough Times
Though the hike may appear modest, its optics are hard to ignore. This is the second perk enhancement in just months, following a 24% salary hike for MLAs, Ministers, and presiding officers—an increase estimated to cost the state over ₹25 crore annually.
Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh is grappling with soaring debt, depleted borrowing space, delayed payments across departments, and repeated warnings of “financial emergency-like conditions.” Employees have faced postponed dues, and departments have been told to tighten belts. Against this backdrop, the latest hike risks being seen as tone-deaf.
Officials Defend, Critics Question
Officials argue the revision was overdue, noting that Ministers’ travel allowances had not been updated for years. But politically, the decision lands at an awkward moment. With the winter session around the corner, questions are bound to surface on whether the government could have deferred the move further—especially while urging others to “cooperate in difficult times.”
Rarely Contested, But Widely Noticed
Observers point out that salary and allowance hikes for legislators seldom face real resistance across party lines. Inside the Assembly, few expect formal opposition. Outside, however, the optics are sharper: a cash-strapped state preaching austerity while quietly raising perks for those in power.
What Next?
The winter session will be the real test. Will the government succeed in defending the hike as a routine administrative update—or will it struggle against the perception that it has prioritised its own comfort in a time of financial distress?
