Shimla, Jan 6,
Responding to an appeal by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Class A and B officers of Shimla district administration have set an example by voluntarily surrendering their electricity subsidy.
Around 176 officials, including Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shimla Anupam Kashyap, Superintendent of Police (SP) Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, and Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Jyoti Rana, signed declarations to give up the subsidy at a ceremony held at Bhachat Bhavan.
Leading by example, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap emphasized the need for financially well-off individuals to relinquish their subsidies so that the benefits could reach the economically weaker sections of society. The move aims to support the state government’s initiative to ensure targeted subsidy distribution and strengthen its welfare measures.
Speaking at the event, DC Kashyap urged other officials and affluent consumers in the district to come forward and voluntarily give up their electricity subsidies. “Subsidies should be reserved for those who genuinely need them. It is our collective responsibility to support government efforts and ensure that resources are utilized judiciously,” he remarked.
SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, who was among the first to surrender the subsidy, echoed similar sentiments. “As government officials, it is our duty to lead by example. By giving up these benefits, we can contribute towards a more equitable society,” he said.
The process of relinquishing the subsidy was straightforward, with officials submitting duly filled forms to the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB).
This symbolic step taken by the district administration has garnered praise from various quarters and is expected to inspire other individuals and organizations across the state to follow suit.
The initiative aligns with the Chief Minister’s broader vision of ensuring efficient allocation of government resources. By encouraging individuals who are financially stable to forgo subsidies, the state government hopes to create a more inclusive system that prioritizes underprivileged sections of the society.
Officials noted that such measures not only help reduce the financial burden on the state but also foster a culture of social responsibility among citizens.
The event marked a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to promote participatory governance and equitable resource distribution.
As more individuals and organizations likely to come forward to support this initiative, the state is set to take a progressive step towards sustainable development and social justice.
