Himachal Minister's 'UP-Bihar' Officer Remark Sparks Backlash from IAS, IPS Bodies
Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh has ignited a major controversy with his public criticism of IAS and IPS officers who hail from outside the state. His remarks have drawn sharp condemnation from bureaucratic associations and fellow cabinet ministers, creating a significant stir in the state's political circles.
Minister's Controversial Statement
On Tuesday, Vikramaditya Singh, who serves as the state's PWD Minister, made pointed comments about officers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. He claimed these officers were not working in the interest of "Himachaliat"—the state's unique ethos and welfare. The minister posted his views on a Facebook page, warning that if such officers were not "tackled in time," Himachal's interests could face serious harm.
He specifically alleged that some officers prioritize personal agendas over the state's development needs. This statement immediately triggered widespread reactions across the political and administrative spectrum.
Strong Rebuttal from Colleagues and Officers
Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh led the defense of the officers on Wednesday. He firmly stated that blaming officers for "one's own mistakes" is completely inappropriate. "Ministers should also know how to get work done from the officers," he emphasized during a media interaction.
Anirudh Singh highlighted that officers function as essential pillars of the government, and their state of origin should not matter. He pointed out a critical staffing issue: no new IAS officers have been posted in Himachal Pradesh since 2016. The minister also noted the state's challenging financial situation, suggesting that criticizing officers during such times is unhelpful.
IAS and IPS Associations Issue Stern Response
The Himachal Pradesh IAS and IPS associations released a joint statement expressing deep concern. They asserted that the minister's remarks create an "artificial and undesirable divide" between Himachali and non-Himachali officers serving in the state.
The associations warned that such statements could:
- Damage police service morale significantly
- Create distrust within the police machinery
- Weaken institutional cohesion across departments
- Adversely affect public governance and service delivery
In a strong move, the IPS Association specifically urged the state government not to post or attach any IPS officer with Minister Vikramaditya Singh. They called for immediate intervention to address what they see as damaging rhetoric.
Minister's Defense and Reference to Past Incident
Responding to the criticism, Vikramaditya Singh defended his position on Wednesday. He claimed he does not treat officers poorly, contrasting his approach with how some NHAI officers were treated last year. "I give full respect to the officers but not of that kind which was given to the NHAI officers last year," he stated.
This reference points to a July 2025 controversy involving Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh. An alleged assault incident occurred with an NHAI officer at Bhattakuffar following a building collapse. That episode had already created tension between ministers and officers.
Broader Ministerial Reactions
The controversy has revealed divided opinions within the cabinet. While some ministers have questioned officer loyalty, others have publicly supported the bureaucracy. This split highlights ongoing tensions between the political executive and administrative officers in Himachal Pradesh.
Many observers note that the state's difficult financial conditions might be exacerbating these tensions. With limited resources and development challenges, the relationship between ministers and officers becomes particularly crucial for effective governance.
Looking Forward
The incident raises important questions about center-state officer postings and inter-state relations within India's bureaucratic system. It also highlights how public statements by ministers can impact administrative morale and functioning.
As the controversy continues to unfold, all eyes remain on how the state government will address these concerns. The need for collaborative governance between elected representatives and career officers has never been more apparent in Himachal Pradesh.
