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Himachal Cracks Down on Re-Employed Officials with Doubtful Integrity

The Himachal Pradesh government has issued an urgent directive for all departments to review cases of officers serving on extension or re-employment. The order states that any official with "doubtful integrity" will have their extension terminated immediately. This action follows a discussion in the state Assembly where the issue was raised by a BJP MLA. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured the House of appropriate action, leading to this follow-up directive.

Key Points: Himachal Orders Review of Re-Employed Officials' Integrity

  • Urgent review of re-employed officials
  • Termination for doubtful integrity
  • Action taken report due immediately
  • Follows Assembly discussion
2 min read

Himachal govt orders review of re-employed officials; seeks action against those with 'doubtful integrity'

Himachal Pradesh govt directs departments to review extensions, terminate those with doubtful integrity. Action follows Assembly discussion.

"any officer or official found to have 'doubtful integrity' will have their extension... terminated - Govt Directive"

Shimla, March 18

The Himachal Pradesh government on Wednesday directed all departments to immediately review cases of officers and officials serving on extension or re-employment, warning of strict action against those facing integrity concerns.

In an official communication issued by the Department of Personnel (Appointment-II), addressed to Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments and Managing Directors, the government called for an urgent scrutiny of such appointments across the state.

The directive states that any officer or official found to have "doubtful integrity" will have their extension or re-employment terminated with immediate effect. It further makes it clear that no future extensions or appointments should be granted to individuals whose integrity is in question.

Describing the matter as "most urgent", Joint Secretary (Personnel) Niraj Kumar has asked all departments to submit an action taken report to the government by the end of the day.

The move comes amid concerns within the state government that certain officials benefiting from service extensions have been involved in issues related to professional integrity.

The decision assumes significance as it follows a discussion in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly earlier in the day, where BJP MLA from Una, Satpal Singh Satti, raised the issue and sought action against officials with "outstanding integrity (ODI)" concerns.

Responding to the query, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured the House that the government would take appropriate action in such cases, emphasising accountability and transparency in administration.

The latest directive is being seen as a follow-up to that assurance, signalling the government's intent to enforce stricter norms in appointments and extensions within the bureaucracy.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good move for transparency 👍. But "doubtful integrity" is a very broad term. Who decides this? There must be clear, objective criteria to avoid this becoming a tool for political vendetta against honest officers.
R
Rohit P
Re-employment should be based on necessity and merit, not just connections. In many departments, younger officers are sidelined because senior babus keep getting extensions. This blocks promotions and fresh ideas.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see this happen after the MLA raised the issue in the assembly. Shows the legislative process can work. Hope other states take note. Accountability is key for good governance.
A
Anjali F
Asking for a report by the end of the day? That seems rushed. A proper review needs time. This shouldn't be a mere box-ticking exercise. Hope they do a fair assessment, not just a quick purge.
K
Karthik V
The system of extensions itself is flawed. It often rewards loyalty over competence. If an officer's integrity was doubtful, why were they given an extension in the first place? The entire process needs an overhaul. #SystemCleanUp

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