Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena is facing significant backlash from various political parties and retired civil servants following the revelation that he allegedly ran up a bill of Rs 1.22 lakh for a private Holi celebration and requested the state government to foot the bill. The event, which included about 75 officers and their families, has sparked outrage, particularly among former IAS officers, who are questioning the appropriateness of using public funds for what they perceive as a personal gathering.
The party was hosted at the Holiday Home Hotel in Shimla, a state-run facility managed by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC). The hotel has been embroiled in controversies over financial mismanagement and unpaid dues, issues that had previously been flagged by the Himachal Pradesh High Court. This latest incident has brought the facility back into the spotlight, especially considering the current financial strain on the state.
Saxena, a 1991-batch IAS officer, was granted a six-month extension on the day of his retirement on March 31. Despite the state’s ongoing debt crisis—currently estimated at Rs 1 lakh crore—Saxena’s Holi event bill was reportedly sent to the General Administration Department (GAD) for payment. However, the payment has not yet been processed, with internal bureaucratic concerns being raised about whether it is appropriate to use taxpayer money to fund an event of this nature.
The details of the bill, which emerged on social media on Thursday, show that food for the guests cost Rs 75,000, with Rs 1,000 charged per plate for 75 attendees. Additionally, a GST charge of Rs 22,350 was added, and lunch was provided for the drivers of the officers, costing Rs 12,870. These figures have raised eyebrows among both the public and the political establishment, especially in light of the state’s ongoing fiscal troubles.
The timing of this controversy has added fuel to the fire, as it comes at a period when Himachal Pradesh is grappling with a dire financial situation. In fact, just last year, the Himachal Pradesh High Court had ordered the closure of several HPTDC hotels due to mounting losses. Although the court later reversed its order after receiving assurances that the hotels would be turned around, the financial struggles of these state-run properties continue to persist, exacerbating concerns about the state’s financial management.
The BJP has seized on this incident, launching a fierce criticism of Saxena and the broader state administration. BJP MLA Bikram Singh accused the chief secretary of showing “extravagance” at a time when the state is deeply in debt. Singh pointed out that the event violated the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which require government officials to maintain standards of honesty, integrity, and impartiality. He further argued that hosting such an event in the face of widespread economic challenges is a blatant disregard for the democratic values of transparency and fiscal responsibility.
This controversy is also particularly sensitive given the current economic hardships faced by the citizens of Himachal Pradesh. The state is dealing with high unemployment rates, a burdened healthcare system, and a shortage of funds for critical infrastructure projects. In this context, many feel that this lavish event not only disregards the state’s fiscal health but also reflects poorly on the priorities of the administration. Singh emphasized that, instead of spending public money on private events, the government should focus on alleviating the pressing concerns of the common people, particularly in light of the state’s debt crisis.
In addition to the BJP’s critique, other political figures and retired bureaucrats have voiced their concerns, emphasizing the ethical implications of the situation. Many have questioned the moral compass of a government that allows its officials to indulge in such luxuries while the general public faces mounting economic pressures. There is a growing sense of disillusionment among the people of Himachal Pradesh, as they begin to question whether their elected leaders are truly in touch with their struggles.
The broader issue of governance and accountability has come under the microscope as well. With public trust in the administration already fragile, incidents like this one only serve to erode confidence in the state's ability to manage resources effectively. For many, this controversy underscores the need for greater transparency in how taxpayer money is spent, particularly by government officials.
The development is also drawing attention to the broader issue of financial management within the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC). Despite previous assurances that the corporation’s hotels would become profitable, financial mismanagement continues to plague the state-run hospitality sector. The latest incident, where funds for a personal celebration are being questioned, adds to the growing list of issues surrounding the HPTDC, further tarnishing the reputation of the state’s administration.
As the investigation into the payment of the Holi party bill continues, all eyes are now on the state government to see whether any action will be taken against Saxena or others involved in the matter. The BJP has demanded that the government conduct a thorough probe into the expenditure and ensure that no public funds are used for personal purposes. They have also called for stricter accountability measures to be put in place for government officials, urging the state to adopt more responsible fiscal policies.
The controversy has further amplified the ongoing debates about the ethical conduct of government officials in India. It has sparked discussions about the culture of extravagance within the bureaucracy, where some officials appear to live beyond their means at the taxpayer’s expense. As the matter unfolds, it remains to be seen whether this issue will lead to significant reforms or whether it will fade into obscurity, like many similar controversies in the past.
