The move was unveiled during the presentation of the state’s 2026–27 budget. Sukhu said the deferment is a short-term measure and assured that the withheld amounts will be repaid once the state’s financial position improves.
“This is only a temporary deferment. The amount will be returned as soon as the financial condition improves,” he said.
Who will be affected
- 50% of the Chief Minister’s salary deferred
- 30% of salaries of the Deputy CM and cabinet ministers
- 20% of MLAs’ salaries
The measure also extends to political appointees and senior bureaucracy:
- 30% deferment for the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, DGP and Additional DGPs
- 20% deferment for Secretaries, Heads of Departments, IGs, DIGs, SSPs and equivalent ranks
- 3% deferment for Group A and Group B officers
Group C and Group D employees have been exempted and will continue to receive full salaries.
Relief measures announced
Despite fiscal pressures, the Budget includes targeted increases:
- Monthly pay for non-regularised medical officers raised to ₹40,000 from ₹33,600
- Salaries for nurses and technical staff standardised at ₹25,000
- Daily wagers to get an additional ₹25 per day
- Honorarium for Anganwadi and ASHA workers increased by ₹1,000 per month
- ₹500 monthly hike for mid-day meal workers and other support staff
The government also raised the MLA Priority Scheme allocation to ₹225 crore per constituency, up from ₹200 crore.
In a notable shift, Sukhu arrived in an electric vehicle to present the Budget. His speech lasted over four hours, with a break for lunch.
