Inquiry into breach of privilege against secretariat employees: Himachal Assembly summons report in 15 days

Shimla, September 13: The Himachal Pradesh Assembly Secretariat has begun an inquiry into allegations of breach of privilege against the leaders of the State Secretariat Employees Union. A report on the matter has been sought within 15 days after a privilege breach motion was moved by Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani. The motion was sent to Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, who has directed the Assembly Secretariat to take action.

In response, Assembly Secretary Yashpal Sharma has written a letter to the Secretary of the General Administration Department seeking a detailed explanation from Himachal Pradesh Secretariat Services Union President Sanjeev Sharma and other union leaders. A copy of the motion has been attached with the letter by Minister Dharmani. The Secretariat Administration has been directed to conduct a departmental inquiry and submit its findings to the Assembly Secretariat within a stipulated time.

The action has been taken after the minister complained of breach of privilege during the recent assembly session. The purpose of the inquiry is to determine whether the employee leaders exceeded their authority or violated legislative procedures.

Secretariat employees to hold general meeting amid probe

Following this development, the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat Service Union, under the leadership of president Sanjeev Sharma, called a meeting on Thursday. It was decided in the meeting that a general meeting would be called on September 17 at 1.30 pm to discuss the current issue. The union criticised the move of the assembly, saying that the administration was trying to suppress the rights of the employees through such action.

Expressing disappointment, general secretary Kamal Krishna Sharma claimed that although the chief minister is considered employee-friendly, some elements within the government are working to create a confrontation between the employees and the administration. He emphasised that the secretariat employees worked with full devotion during the proceedings of the assembly and ensured smooth functioning without any disruption. Despite this, the decision of the assembly to initiate an inquiry is being seen as an attempt to undermine the efforts of the union.

This is the first time such action has been taken against the employees of the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat. The union has strongly condemned the move and vowed to remain united in the fight for the rights of the employees. They reaffirmed their commitment to oppose any attempt to suppress their voice and ensure protection of their rights.

Once the inquiry report is submitted, it will be reviewed by Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, who will decide the next course of action in the case.