Himachal CM Sukhu Takes Strong Action Against Officials with Doubtful Integrity
In a decisive move to uphold administrative integrity, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced the immediate removal of all government officials listed as Officers of Doubtful Integrity (ODI) who have been granted service extensions or re-employment. This significant declaration was made on the opening day of the 13-day second phase of the state legislative assembly's budget session in Shimla.
Three Officials Identified for Immediate Action
Responding to a pointed question from BJP Una MLA Satpal Singh Satti, Chief Minister Sukhu revealed that only three government officials whose names appear on the ODI list received service extensions or re-employment in 2024. These individuals have been specifically identified for removal from their positions.
The officials in question include:
- Vijay Kumar Rai, a tehsildar serving in the revenue department
- Yudhvir Singh Thakur, an officer on special duty in the treasuries, accounts and lotteries department
- Rai Bahadur Singh Negi, currently posted in the administrative reforms department of the state information commission
Chief Minister Sukhu further clarified that over the past two years, two officials have been successfully removed from the ODI list. These include Mahender Lal, a grade II superintendent in the DC office of Lahaul-Spiti, and Rai Bahadur Singh Negi, whose name appears in both contexts.
Opposition Raises Concerns and Privilege Motion
The announcement came amid heated exchanges in the legislative assembly, with opposition members expressing serious concerns about the integrity of government appointments. Una MLA Satpal Singh Satti claimed that officials listed as ODI continue to occupy key positions, with some even receiving service extensions despite their questionable status.
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur raised additional questions, noting that the high court had previously requested the ODI list from the state government. He sought clarification on whether only three officials comprise the entire state ODI list. In response, Chief Minister Sukhu stated he lacked specific knowledge on this matter but assured that if the opposition leader provided any additional names, those officials would be removed immediately.
The political tension escalated further as the BJP legislative party, led by Jai Ram Thakur, submitted a notice for a privilege motion under Rule 75 against Chief Minister Sukhu. The motion accuses the chief minister of allegedly making false statements in the house, with BJP MLAs raising slogans against Sukhu within the assembly premises before Wednesday's sitting commenced.
Addressing the media, Leader of Opposition Thakur asserted that the alleged falsehoods constituted a breach of privilege and undermined the dignity of the legislative assembly. "We can accept that in the first year he was new, and some things might have been said due to inexperience as a new chief minister, perhaps even by mistake. But now the fourth budget is about to be presented," Thakur stated emphatically.
He further elaborated that the BJP's concerns extend beyond a single statement, encompassing multiple instances that have been carefully documented. "He says things inside the house as if he is addressing a public rally. Ideally, even in a public rally, a chief minister should not lie," Thakur claimed, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations.
Apple Growers Await Substantial Payments
In a separate but equally pressing matter, the legislative assembly addressed the concerns of Himachal Pradesh's apple growers. Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi informed the house that approximately 57,182 apple orchardists across the state are still awaiting payments exceeding Rs 120 crore for their produce procured by state agencies under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS).
Responding to questions from Theog MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore, Minister Negi confirmed that the state government is making budgetary provisions to clear these substantial dues. He added that coordinated efforts are underway with the central government to secure the release of its share amounting to Rs 16.47 crore under the scheme.
Providing comprehensive data on apple procurement, Minister Negi informed Anni MLA Lokender Kumar that the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) procured a total of 98,506 metric tonnes of apples during the 2025 apple season. Furthermore, in response to BJP Churah MLA Hans Raj's query, the minister revealed that over 1,009 hectares of additional land have been brought under apple cultivation in the state during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 periods.
Highlighting the government's commitment to agricultural development, Minister Negi stated that under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, funds of Rs 14.55 lakh and Rs 12 lakh were allocated to Chamba and Sirmaur districts respectively in 2025-26. These allocations specifically aim to promote high-density apple cultivation, reflecting the state's strategic focus on enhancing horticultural productivity and farmer welfare.
The legislative assembly session thus addressed critical issues spanning administrative integrity, political accountability, and agricultural development, setting the stage for further discussions on governance and public welfare in Himachal Pradesh.
