Himachal Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena’s Holi party at a Shimla hotel has sparked a row, with Rs 1,000-per-plate meals for officers and Rs 600 for drivers, resulting in a Rs 1.22 lakh bill. The use of public funds for the event is under review.
A Holi party hosted by Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Secretary, featuring lunch at Rs 1,000 per plate for IAS officers and their families, Rs 600 per plate for drivers, and additional taxi fares, has sparked controversy. The event, which included meals for 22 drivers, resulted in a bill of Rs 1.22 lakh, now under scrutiny as the General Administration Department (GAD) reviews whether public funds should cover the expenses.
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, who received a six-month extension after his scheduled retirement on March 31, hosted a lavish Holi celebration at Holiday Home, the flagship hotel of Himachal Tourism in Shimla.
The bill, forwarded by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), details charges of Rs 1,000 per plate for officers and their families, Rs 585 per plate for drivers, Rs 11,800 in taxi fares, and Rs 22,350 in taxes.
Former Industries Minister Bikram Thakur has criticised Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena for hosting a lavish Holi party for IAS officers and their families in Himachal Pradesh.
Key Points of Criticism
– Misuse of Government Funds: Thakur questioned the justification of using government funds to pay for the party expenses, especially when the state is facing a financial crisis.
– Prioritising Extravagance Over Necessity: He criticised the bureaucracy’s priorities, suggesting that the focus should be on addressing the state’s financial woes rather than indulging in lavish parties.
– Inconsiderate Timing: Thakur pointed out the insensitivity of holding such an extravagant event during a time when the state is grappling with significant debt.