Himachal Pradesh’s Public Works Department (PWD) Minister, Vikramaditya Singh, has come under fire for his remarks concerning IAS and IPS officers from outside the state. Singh criticized these officials, particularly those from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, claiming they prioritize personal interests over the welfare of Himachal Pradesh.
In a Facebook post, Singh alleged that these senior officers exhibit indifference towards the state’s interests and warned that their actions could jeopardize Himachal’s future. His comments elicited swift backlash from both bureaucratic circles and fellow cabinet members.
Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh defended the officers, asserting that failures in governance often reflect the shortcomings of ministers rather than the officials themselves. He urged the state government to investigate the matter, noting that his own department includes out-of-state officers who have not posed similar issues. He emphasized that officers are expected to serve the state’s interests and respect its culture.
On Wednesday, Anirudh Singh called Vikramaditya Singh’s remarks “unfortunate,” stating it is improper to blame officers for a minister’s inadequacies. He reiterated the importance of collaboration between ministers and officers, suggesting that public criticism undermines governance and officer confidence.
In response to the controversy, both the IAS and IPS associations issued a joint statement expressing concern that such comments could foster division between local and non-local officers serving in Himachal. They urged the government to refrain from assigning any IPS officers to Vikramaditya Singh, warning that his statements might diminish police morale and disrupt teamwork, ultimately affecting governance and public service delivery.
This incident comes at a time when the state is grappling with financial challenges and the Chief Minister is striving to effectively manage resources. Notably, the state has not appointed new IAS officers since 2016, further complicating the administrative landscape.
The IPS Officers’ Association articulated profound disappointment over Singh’s comments, emphasizing the need for unity among officers regardless of their home state. The situation remains tense as reactions continue to unfold.
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