Panchayat chowkidars want honorarium recovery stopped

Panchayat chowkidars are claiming that the government has started recovering the enhanced honorarium paid to them between April, 2024, and April, 2025. “Our honorarium was increased from Rs 375 to Rs 400 per day following an announcement in the 2024-25 Budget. We were paid the enhanced honorarium from April, 2024, but the department later issued a notification. And thereafter, the recovery has started,” alleged Prem Vardhan, president of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayat Chowkidar Union.

Rajesh Sharma, Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, said he would look into the issue.

Vardhan said the recovery, which amounts to Rs 9,750, has started in two districts – Hamirpur and Mandi. “In Hamirpur, the entire amount has been deducted in one go, while the amount will be recovered in a few instalments in Mandi district. It’s not fair and we will meet the Chief Minister on October 8,” said Vardhan, adding that the recoveries could start shortly in other districts as well. He further said that the enhanced honorarium was announced for daily wagers in all departments. “So, we are surprised why recoveries are being made from us. There are close to 1,500 individuals who will be hit,” he said.

He further said that the honorarium for the daily wagers has been further increased from Rs 400 per day to Rs 425 per day following the announcement in the 2025-26 Budget. “We want the recovery should stop immediately and the department should issue the notification of enhanced honorarium from Rs 400 per day to Rs 425 per day without any delay,” said Vardhan.