The Himachal Pradesh IAS and IPS associations have strongly condemned a recent statement by Minister Vikramaditya Singh, who criticised officers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar posted in the state, accusing them of prioritising personal agendas over Himachal’s interests.
The remarks have sparked a debate among cabinet colleagues, bureaucrats, and civil society about the role of officers and political accountability.
Minister Vikramaditya Singh’s Statement
Vikramaditya Singh, the state PWD Minister, had stated on a social media platform that some IAS and IPS officers from outside Himachal Pradesh were not working in alignment with the ethos of “Himachaliat.” He warned that if the situation continued, the state’s interests could be compromised.
He also claimed that officers from other states showed limited concern for Himachal Pradesh and suggested that they should be “tackled in time” to safeguard the state.
Bureaucrats and Cabinet Colleagues Respond
While some ministers questioned the loyalty of officers, others defended them. Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh emphasised that it is unfair to blame officers for mistakes made by politicians or administrators.
“Ministers should also know how to get work done from the officers,” Anirudh said. He added that officers are pillars of governance and their state of origin does not matter.
Anirudh highlighted that no new IAS officers have been posted in Himachal Pradesh since 2016. He also pointed to the state’s financial challenges and said:
“Making statements against officers in such a situation is not appropriate.”
IAS and IPS Associations Speak Out
The Himachal IAS and IPS associations expressed concern that the minister’s remarks risk creating an artificial divide between Himachali and non-Himachali officers.
The IPS Association stated:
“Such statements can damage the morale of the police service, create distrust within the police machinery, weaken institutional cohesion, and adversely affect public governance and service delivery.”
The associations also requested that no IPS officer be posted or attached to Minister Vikramaditya Singh.
Minister Responds to Criticism
Reacting to the defence of officers, Vikramaditya Singh clarified that he respects officers but maintains that his approach differs from past incidents, referring to alleged misconduct involving NHAI officers last year.
The minister stressed that his comments were intended to protect Himachal’s interests, not to undermine the entire bureaucracy.
Conclusion
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between political leaders and bureaucrats in Himachal Pradesh. While ministers emphasise accountability and state-centric priorities, IAS and IPS officers urge professionalism, morale, and institutional cohesion. The state government now faces the task of maintaining harmony while ensuring effective governance.
