Himachal Pradesh Government Takes Strict Action Against Officers of Doubtful Integrity
In a decisive move to uphold administrative integrity, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has mandated the immediate removal of all officers listed in the Officers of Doubtful Integrity (ODI) roster from key and sensitive posts across the state. This announcement was made during the Budget Session of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha in Shimla, marking a significant step in the government's anti-corruption efforts.
Chief Minister's Firm Stance During Question Hour
Responding to a query from Una MLA Satpal Singh Satti, Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized a no-tolerance policy towards compromised officials. "Today, I will not give any assurances but will take action straightaway. All such officials who have been given extension or re-employment and whose names appear in the ODI list will be removed from service," Sukhu declared. This statement underscores the administration's commitment to transparency and accountability in public service.
Details of Officials Affected by the Decision
According to government-provided information, only three officials currently on the ODI list have received extensions or re-employment. These individuals are:
- Vijay Kumar Rai, Tehsildar in the Revenue Department
- Yudhvir Singh Thakur, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Treasuries, Accounts and Lotteries Department
- Rai Bahadur Singh, official in the Administrative Reforms Department
MLA Satti further pressed for clarity on whether the ODI list had been shared with the High Court and if additional names warranted removal. "The Chief Minister should clarify whether the ODI list has been shared with the High Court and whether it included additional names that should also be removed from key posts," he urged.
Exclusions from the ODI List and Government Assurance
Chief Minister Sukhu acknowledged that he was unaware of any High Court request for the ODI list or its total number of entries. However, he provided assurance that all officials falling under the ODI category would be stripped of their key positions. Additionally, it was revealed that two officials—Mahender Lal, Senior Superintendent in the Revenue Department, and Rai Bahadur Singh—have been excluded from the ODI list, indicating ongoing reviews and updates to the roster.
This proactive measure by the Himachal Pradesh government aims to restore public trust and ensure that sensitive roles are held by individuals of unimpeachable integrity, aligning with broader governance reforms in the state.
