Himachal government to reduce IAS, IPS and IFS posts: CM Sukhu

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Priyanka Gandhi’s Mandi visit on August 18 will focus on interacting with school students and fulfilling her earlier commitment, with no political rally planned.

Shimla, August 17

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state does not need a large administrative workforce, but rather officials focused on implementing development schemes on the ground. The government plans to reduce the sanctioned strength of IAS officers from 153 to 130, IFS officers from 118 to 83, and IPS officers from 96.

According to Sukhu, the reduction in the number of senior officers is expected to save around Rs 200 crore, which can be utilized for public welfare and development. He said the state could function with around 100 to 110 IAS officers, but the government decided to retain 130 posts based on officials’ suggestions.Sukhu added that the government is not stopping officers who wish to go on central deputation and their files are being cleared promptly.

On Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi’s proposed one-day visit to Mandi on August 18, Sukhu said the visit would not include any political rally. He said Priyanka had visited Mandi during the disaster and had promised to support the construction of a school. Her upcoming visit aims to fulfill that commitment and interact with school students.

The Chief Minister said Priyanka Gandhi is also expected to attend a political gathering in Solan in September.Responding to criticism from the opposition, Sukhu said his government was protecting employees’ interests and providing financial benefits in phases. He alleged that former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur had left liabilities worth Rs 10,000 crore for state employees.

Sukhu also questioned Thakur’s stand on the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), saying the opposition leader had not raised his voice for its restoration. Despite losses of around Rs 8,000-10,000 crore following the closure of RDG, the government did not stop salaries or pensions, he claimed. Sukhu also announced plans to reduce the fleet of vehicles provided to officials in the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC). He virtually flagged off 25 new electric buses for Mandi and said the additions would benefit passengers and strengthen public transport.

The government has approved the purchase of 1,000 new buses for the HRTC fleet. Sukhu said 300 electric buses have already been added, while 200 hydrogen-powered buses are expected to join the fleet soon. These buses will reportedly cover 300 to 380 kilometres on a single charge. A tender for 12 years of maintenance for the new buses has also been issued, and payment has been made. Strict penalty provisions have been included for companies in case of vehicle breakdowns.

The Sukhu government has projected that improved mileage and better operation of loss-making routes, including Chandigarh services, could help HRTC become profitable within the next five years.