Himachal Minister Echoes Deputy CM's Warning on Bureaucrats
Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh has strongly endorsed Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri's recent remarks about state bureaucrats. On Monday, Singh took to Facebook to voice his concerns, specifically targeting some IAS and IPS officers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
He claimed these officers show little regard for "Himachaliat" - the unique ethos and interests of the Himalayan state. His post quickly gained traction, receiving over six thousand likes and hundreds of comments within hours.
"Serve Himachal, Don't Rule" Message
In his Hindi-language social media statement, Vikramaditya Singh wrote that he agrees completely with the Deputy Chief Minister's recent speech in Mandi. The minister, who is the son of six-time former chief minister Virbhadra Singh, expressed particular concern about officers from other states.
"Some IAS-IPS officers from UP-Bihar are overlooking Himachaliat in Himachal," Singh stated in his viral post. "They don't have much concern for Himachal's interests. While they're in Himachal, they should serve Himachal, not make the mistake of trying to become rulers."
He emphasized that while officers from other states deserve respect, they should learn from Himachal Pradesh cadre officers. Understanding local culture and sensitivities is crucial for effective administration, according to the minister.
Growing Tensions Within Administration
This public statement comes nearly a month after Deputy CM Agnihotri's controversial warning to bureaucrats. During a government function in Mandi on December 6, Agnihotri had cautioned that officers acting against the government would be "dealt with in the dark of night."
Sources indicate Vikramaditya Singh's remarks demonstrate clear solidarity with the Deputy Chief Minister. Both leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with how certain elements of the state bureaucracy function.
Although no direct confrontation has emerged among officers, sources reveal an important detail. Bureaucrats from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar currently occupy all significant administrative positions in Himachal Pradesh.
Officer Demographics in Himachal
The state's bureaucratic composition reveals interesting patterns:
- Himachal Pradesh has 154 IAS officers total
- 107 officers were directly recruited through national examinations
- 43 officers were promoted from the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services
- The state also maintains 96 IPS officers
- One-third of these police officers were promoted from state police services
Directly recruited IAS and IPS officers serving in Himachal come from multiple states including Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. This diversity in officer backgrounds has now become a point of political discussion.
Social Media Reaction and Broader Implications
The minister's Facebook post has sparked fresh debate about the role of officers from outside Himachal Pradesh. Many social media users have engaged with the content, sharing opinions about administrative effectiveness and cultural understanding.
Vikramaditya Singh did not respond to repeated calls seeking clarification about his statements. However, his message has clearly resonated with certain sections of the public who share concerns about bureaucratic attitudes toward local interests.
This development highlights ongoing tensions between political leadership and administrative machinery in Himachal Pradesh. The Congress government, now completing three years in power, appears determined to ensure bureaucracy aligns with its vision for the state.
The controversy raises important questions about balancing administrative efficiency with cultural sensitivity in India's diverse federal structure.
