Sukhu Government to Foot Bill for Chief Secretary’s Holi Bash, Triggers Political Row

Shimla, April 17: A Holi celebration hosted by Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena for senior officials and their families has sparked a major political controversy in Himachal Pradesh. The event, which reportedly cost ₹1,22,020, is now facing criticism as the bill is being processed for payment from the state government’s treasury.

The party, held at a luxury hotel in Shimla, was attended by around 75 senior bureaucrats, along with their spouses and children. The per plate catering cost was pegged at ₹1,000, and the bill also includes lunch and taxi fares for 22 drivers. The General Administration Department (GAD) has received the invoice from the hotel and is reportedly processing it.

Opposition Uproar: ‘Betrayal of Public Trust’

The BJP has lashed out, calling the expense an “insult to administrative integrity” and a “mockery of the state’s financial crisis.” Senior BJP leader and MLA Vikram Thakur condemned the event, citing that Himachal Pradesh is reeling under a debt of over ₹1 lakh crore, and hosting such luxury events at public expense is “financially irresponsible and morally questionable.”

He also pointed out that such acts violate the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which emphasize public service, integrity, and transparency. “At a time when people are struggling, the bureaucracy is busy partying — and worse, expecting the public to pay for it,” Thakur said.

Call for Accountability and Transparency

Highlighting the constitutional obligation of the state government to maintain transparency and uphold public trust, the BJP leader urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to take immediate action and cancel the public funding of the event.

“This isn’t just a financial blunder; it’s an ethical failure that will erode public confidence in governance,” Thakur added.

About the Chief Secretary

Prabodh Saxena, a 1990 batch IAS officer, was appointed as Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh on January 2, 2023, and recently received a six-month extension from the Union Public Service Commission. He was scheduled to retire on March 31, 2025.

As the political heat intensifies, the Sukhu government now finds itself on the back foot, with growing pressure to justify public spending on bureaucratic celebrations amid economic challenges.