Security Tightened at Himachal Secretariat: Stricter Entry Protocols for Visitors

Shimla, June 1:
The Himachal Pradesh government has significantly strengthened security protocols at the state secretariat following recent threats. Effective immediately, visitors will only be allowed entry after completing a formal approval process, with prior authorization and valid ID now mandatory for access. The new guidelines were issued on Sunday by the Special Secretary (Secretariat Administration).

As the central administrative hub where the Chief Minister, cabinet ministers, and senior bureaucrats operate, the Himachal Secretariat will now enforce a tightly controlled visitor management system.

Entry Only Through Written or Email Requests

Entry passes will be issued only upon receiving a written request or email from the concerned department. No verbal requests or recommendations will be entertained. Departments must send these communications to the reception desk at SO-reception-hp@gov.in.

Visitor Hours: 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Entry passes will be processed and issued between 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM daily. Visitors must complete all formalities during this window to gain access to the premises.

In-House Telephone Access for Departments

To ease coordination, two telephones have been installed at the reception. Visitors can contact their concerned departments from there by dialing ‘9’, and departments can then issue the necessary approval slips or email confirmations.

Designated Public Days to Meet CM

The Chief Minister will meet members of the public every Wednesday and Friday at the Dialogue Hall. Entry passes for these meetings will also be issued within the designated morning hours. In the CM’s absence, an official representative will meet visitors.

Conditional Entry After 2:00 PM

Visitors may still gain entry between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, but only for essential reasons, and without needing prior written requests. However, this is subject to the discretion of the authorities.

Strict Instructions to Private Secretaries

Private secretaries and departmental officials have been directed to allow visitor meetings only for essential work or pre-scheduled appointments. All such requests must carry proper authorization, including written approval, official signature, and department seal.

ID Mandatory, Entry Valid for Two Hours

All visitors must present a valid photo ID—such as Aadhaar, voter ID, or driver’s license—at the time of entry. The visitor pass issued will be valid only for two hours.

Departmental Oversight and Entry Tracking

Once a visitor enters, the respective department is responsible for signing and securely maintaining the entry record to ensure the visitor remains within authorized areas only.

Entry Check via Computer Verification at Gates

At the Secretariat gates, security personnel will verify the visitor’s ID against computer records before allowing access. No exceptions will be made for anyone lacking the required documents.

“No Compromise on Security,” Says Government

Security staff have been given clear instructions: no entry without valid ID and authorization under any circumstances. While the government acknowledges that the new system may cause minor inconvenience, it has appealed for the public’s cooperation and patience to ensure the safety and integrity of the Secretariat.