Himachal Government’s office relocation drive raises debate on rationale and regional balance
Shimla, Oct 27
The Himachal Pradesh government’s renewed move to shift the State Information Commission from Shimla to Dharamshala has triggered a fresh debate over administrative decentralization and political intent. The government has directed the Kangra District Magistrate to identify suitable premises in Dharamshala, even as the Commission’s permanent building in Shimla nears completion and was scheduled for occupation by March next year.
This development has unsettled the Commission’s staff, most of whom are outsourced and based in Shimla. The move also signals a continuation of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s pattern of transferring key offices to Dharamshala — including the Wildlife Wing, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, and the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA).
While the government argues that the relocation aims to decongest Shimla and promote balanced regional growth, critics within the Congress party view it as politically misplaced. During the monsoon session of the Assembly, Theog MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore openly opposed the shifting of offices, citing administrative inconvenience and lack of public consultation.
The Chief Minister, however, maintains that Shimla’s chronic traffic congestion and limited space necessitate decentralization. He has highlighted that even short commutes in the capital take up to an hour during peak hours due to narrow roads and high vehicular density.
Yet, political observers see the move as echoing the BJP’s regional balancing strategies during the Shanta Kumar era, which were often criticized as regionally divisive. The Congress, traditionally seen as a centrist force in the state’s politics, risks alienating its support base if such decisions appear regionally biased or administratively irrational.
If pursued without broader consensus, the government’s office relocation plan may backfire politically — with employees and the public perceiving it as a symbolic rather than pragmatic exercise in governance reform.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.