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Sukhu govt plans downsizing IAS, IPS & IFS cadre strength amid fiscal woes

By IndianMandarins- 08 May 2026
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Shimla (08.05.2026): The Himachal Pradesh government-led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has initiated an exercise to reduce expenditure by proposing downsizing cadre strength of All India Services, including IAS, IPS and IFS officers. The state government has sent a proposal to the Centre seeking to reduce the sanctioned strength of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers from 153 to 147.
At present, the sanctioned IAS cadre strength is 153, which has been proposed to be reduced to 147. Similarly, a separate proposal to reduce the sanctioned posts of Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers from 114 to 83 is also in the final stage of consideration.  The state government is also considering reviewing the cadre strength of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers in the future to rationalise that cadre as well.
The rationalisation comes against the backdrop of worsening fiscal stress following the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) on the recommendation of the 16th Finance Commission. Officials estimate that the annual expenditure on one IAS or IFS officer is between ₹45 lakh and ₹50 lakh. The proposed reduction in cadre strength is expected to save the state crores of rupees annually, funds that the government intends to redirect towards welfare schemes and development works.

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