Shimla, Apr 17,
A Holi celebration allegedly hosted by the Chief Secretary’s Office at Hotel Holiday Home has become the latest focal point in discussions surrounding the expenditure practices of top Himachal Pradesh bureaucrats. A purported bill of ₹1,22,020, reportedly for catering to approximately 75 individuals, including officials and their families, on March 14, 2025, has surfaced and is said to have been submitted to the General Administration Department (GAD) for payment. This development has sparked criticism, particularly given the state’s financial constraints and the backdrop of previous controversies involving the use of public funds.
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The scrutiny of the Holi party expenditure is amplified by the memory of past incidents that raised questions about fiscal prudence at the highest levels of bureaucracy. One such instance involved a former Chief Secretary who was alleged to have billed the state for apple boxes supplied to an acquaintance in Rajasthan, with the HPMC reportedly footing the bill. This earlier episode fuelled concerns about the potential misuse of state resources for personal favours.
Furthermore, the recent “samosa controversy” within the state CID remains a point of reference. These cumulative incidents have heightened public awareness regarding the management of state finances. While the expenditure on the Holi party is currently under examination, it is imperative to establish the facts surrounding the event and determine whether the expenses were in line with established regulations and served a legitimate public purpose.
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), the independent audit authority for government finances, plays a crucial role in scrutinizing state expenditures. Their periodic reports on Himachal Pradesh’s financial affairs provide an objective assessment of the state’s fiscal management and highlight any potential irregularities. It remains to be seen whether the expenditure related to the Holi party and other such instances will be addressed in future CAG reports, offering a definitive account of their propriety.
In the ongoing discourse, it is essential to maintain a balanced perspective and adhere to the principles of due process. While the reported bills and past controversies have understandably generated public concern, a thorough and impartial examination is necessary to ascertain the facts and understand the justifications behind such expenditures.
Meanwhile Senior leader of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), former minister and current MLA Bikram Thakur has raised serious questions on the state government regarding the Holi party of Chief Secretary Prabhodh Saxena organized at the government guest house “Holiday Home” in Shimla. Looking at the presence of senior officials and their families in this party organized at government expense and the expenditure made in it, it is clear that this is a gross violation of democratic spirit, ethical conduct and administrative decorum, he stated in a media communique.
Adding that, when the state is in debt of Rs 1 lakh crore, then such events show that the government and bureaucracy have no concern with the problems of the common people. He said that this is a neglect of workload and financial discipline, which also comes under the category of violation under the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1964, in which loyalty, honesty and impartiality are expected from the officers.
In addition, according to the Constitution, it is the duty of the state government to ensure social welfare and transparency in public life. It is unfortunate that the officers who have been appointed to serve the public are misusing the public money, stated the BJP leader.
Thakur also stated that the journalist who exposed this entire episode has shown courage in performing his duty. At a time when the pressure on freedom of expression is constantly increasing in Himachal, it is necessary that the journalist be provided security so that he can carry out his professional duty without any fear, asserted Thakur.
