Himachal announces Rs 281 crore arrears relief, 4,000 Jal Shakti jobs
Shashi Bhushan Purohit
Barsar (Hamirpur), August 15, 2026: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu made several major announcements concerning government employees, pensioners and the health sector on Independence Day, including Rs 281 crore in additional arrears payments, recruitment to 4,000 posts in the Jal Shakti Department and deferment of doctors’ retirement until March 31, 2027.
The Chief Minister said that despite the state’s difficult financial situation, the government was prioritising the payment of pending salary and pension arrears. He claimed that the previous government had left liabilities of more than Rs 10,000 crore in salary and pension arrears, while the present government had so far paid over Rs 2,170 crore.
Rs 281 crore arrears payment this month
Sukhu announced that around Rs 281 crore would be released this month towards salary and pension arrears.
As part of the payment, Class-IV employees of the state will receive Rs 20,000 in addition to their salary arrears.
Class-III pensioners and family pensioners who retired between 2016 and December 2021 will receive an additional 30 per cent of their pension or family pension arrears this month. Meanwhile, 15 per cent of the pension and family pension arrears will be paid to Class-I and Class-II pensioners and family pensioners.
4,000 posts to be filled in Jal Shakti Department
The Chief Minister also announced the filling of 4,000 posts across various categories in the Jal Shakti Department.
The move is aimed at addressing long-pending vacancies and strengthening the department’s functioning, particularly in areas related to drinking water supply and irrigation projects.
Doctors’ retirement deferred until March 31, 2027
In another significant announcement for the health sector, Sukhu said that doctors in the state would not retire until March 31, 2027. The decision is expected to help maintain the availability of doctors in government healthcare institutions amid staffing requirements.
Sukhu described government employees as the backbone of the state’s development and acknowledged the contribution of serving and retired employees and officers to Himachal Pradesh.
He said the government remained committed to protecting the interests of employees and pensioners despite the state’s financial constraints.
The announcements provide financial relief to employees and pensioners while also focusing on strengthening government services through recruitment in the Jal Shakti Department and retaining doctors in the health sector.