Himachal CM Sukhu Signals Cabinet Changes in Near Future
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has dropped strong hints about an imminent cabinet expansion and reshuffle. He made this announcement to reporters after returning from Delhi.
Sukhu confirmed the plans are definitely on the cards. He stated the cabinet will see both extension and portfolio reallocation. The chief minister specifically mentioned filling the single vacant position in the ministerial team.
Current Cabinet Composition and Legal Limits
The Himachal Pradesh cabinet currently operates with eleven ministers. This count includes the chief minister himself. According to state assembly rules, the cabinet can expand to a maximum of twelve members.
Himachal Pradesh has a sixty-eight member legislative assembly. The constitutional provisions allow for this cabinet size limitation.
Delhi Meetings and Political Discussions
Sukhu traveled to the national capital for important political meetings. He held discussions with Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge during this visit. The chief minister also met several Union ministers to address state-specific concerns.
These meetings covered multiple issues affecting Himachal Pradesh. Sukhu presented the state's requirements and sought support from the central government.
Addressing the PWD Minister Controversy
The chief minister downplayed the recent controversy involving PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh. Singh had made remarks about certain IAS and IPS officers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. He suggested these officers were not working according to Himachaliyat, the state's cultural ethos.
Sukhu clarified his position clearly to the media. He emphasized this statement does not constitute a significant issue requiring escalation.
IPS Officers' Association Resolution and Reactions
The Himachal Pradesh IPS Officers' Association passed a unanimous resolution recently. This resolution expressed deep concern about Singh's statements. The association strongly opposed what they called divisive language.
The resolution specifically requested that no IPS officer be posted under the PWD minister. It appealed for protection of civil service dignity and impartiality.
Former DIG Vinod Dhawan publicly objected to this resolution. The retired officer questioned the association's reaction propriety. Dhawan defended the minister's right to freedom of speech under constitutional provisions.
He stated the association's response was neither right nor appropriate. Dhawan emphasized the need to maintain the premier civil service's dignity and traditions.
Financial and Agricultural Discussions with Union Ministers
Sukhu held substantive discussions with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. She assured him the central government would examine a region-specific approach. This approach would apply to fiscal devolution, grants, and disaster management frameworks.
Such measures would help hill states like Himachal Pradesh. They would ensure adequate support for developmental needs and disaster resilience challenges.
The finance minister also considered the state's request for additional borrowing. Himachal Pradesh seeks permission to borrow two percent more of its Gross State Domestic Product. Sitharaman promised to examine this request seriously.
Apple Import Concerns and Protection for Local Growers
The chief minister strongly raised the issue of apple imports from New Zealand. He highlighted how these imports adversely affect local orchardists' interests. Sukhu presented this concern to both the finance and commerce ministers.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal responded positively. He assured steps would be considered to stop apple imports during July through November. This period represents Himachal Pradesh's peak apple production season.
Goyal further promised sympathetic consideration of another demand. Hilly states request no import duty exemption for New Zealand apples between April and August. These imports currently negatively impact local apple growers significantly.
Power Sector Discussions and Infrastructure Development
Sukhu discussed Himachal Pradesh's share in the Bhakra Beas Management Board with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. They addressed issues related to the state's rightful participation in this important resource management body.
The chief minister also raised the matter of obtaining NoC from BBMB. This clearance is needed for allotting land for an integrated office of the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited. The Union power minister assured necessary actions would be taken soon to facilitate this development.
Strong Stance Against Law Violation in Kullu District
Sukhu criticized a recent attack on two revenue officials in Kullu district. These officials were performing demarcation duties when the incident occurred. The chief minister emphasized that nobody has the right to take law into their own hands.
He confirmed strict legal action is being pursued against the culprits. The state government maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward such violations of law and order.
The chief minister's statements and actions reflect a busy political agenda. Himachal Pradesh appears poised for administrative changes while addressing multiple state concerns simultaneously.
