Solan/Shimla, Sept 27,
The proposed 10-day foreign exposure visit of Himachal Pradesh
Health Minister Col. (Dr.) Dhani Ram Shandil and a delegation to London and France has been cancelled, following intense criticism on social media and political backlash.
The controversy primarily stemmed from the inclusion of the Minister’s son, Col. (Dr.) Sanjay Shandil, in the official delegation.
The trip, scheduled from October 2 to 11, was intended for key policymakers and medical professionals to study innovative healthcare models. However, it came under fire after the official government notification, which listed the Minister’s son as the tenth member and curiously described him as an “accomplice,” went viral.
The term, along with the perceived nepotism, drew widespread ridicule and anger from the public and opposition leaders.
Former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur was among those who condemned the move, adding political pressure on the state government.
Earlier on Saturday, Minister Shandil had attempted to clarify, stating that the tour was not immediate and that his son and daughter-in-law would accompany him at their own expense.
He defended the visit’s objective, saying, “Good work is being done in the health sector abroad. Technology learned from there should be implemented here.”
Despite this defence, the mounting criticism proved insurmountable. According to sources, the government has now decided to cancel the visit entirely.
The delegation was to include two MLAs and senior health department officials. The expenditure was to be borne from the savings of the Himachal Pradesh Medical Services Corporation Ltd.
The cancellation highlights the increasing public scrutiny of official foreign tours and the perceived misuse of public funds, forcing the government to roll back its decision.
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