Shimla, Jan 31,
The Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has taken a stern stance on allegations of misuse of public funds by former Chief Secretary and RERA chairman Shrikant Baldi. The controversy erupted after revelations that Baldi had allegedly distributed government-funded apple boxes as gifts to bureaucrats across multiple states. In response, the government has directed the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) officials to requisition entire record and all detailed report on the matter.
State Town and Country Planning (TCP) Minister Rajesh Dharmani confirmed the probe, stating, “We have sought a report along with all relevant records, and we will be verifying the facts. The Sukhu administration’s decision to initiate an inquiry signals a shift in governance, indicating its resolve to hold bureaucrats accountable and curb extravagant misuse of taxpayers’ money.
The controversy stems from Baldi’s tenure as Himachal RERA chairman, during which he allegedly approved the purchase of 49 boxes of apples—each weighing 20 kg—from the state-run Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC). These apples, amounting to ₹44,100, were allegedly distributed as gifts to high-ranking IAS officers, retired DGPs, and RERA officials from other states, including Haryana and Rajasthan.
Baldi, a Rajasthan cadre officer who served as Chief Secretary under the previous BJP government, is now at the center of scrutiny. The Sukhu-led Congress government appears determined to rein in bureaucratic excesses and establish stricter financial discipline within the state’s administrative machinery.
The investigation into Baldi is just one example of the government’s growing discomfort with what it perceives as the unchecked influence of flamboyant bureaucrats. The Himachal government has already informed the Centre that it does not require fresh IAS, IPS, and IFS entrants, citing a surplus in these cadres. This decision, insiders say, reflects the state’s intention to curb bureaucratic overreach and streamline governance.
Political observers believe that the government’s strong response to the RERA controversy is a message to the state’s bureaucracy: misuse of public funds for personal whims will no longer be tolerated. With mounting pressure from media reports and public scrutiny, the Sukhu administration’s approach to the probe will be closely watched in the coming days.
