Shimla/Mandi:
A major administrative protocol row has erupted in Himachal Pradesh politics after Ayush, Youth Services & Sports, and Law Minister Yadvinder Goma moved a privilege motion against Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan for allegedly flouting established government protocol during a state function.
Goma’s privilege motion comes amid heightened tension between the political executive and the bureaucracy.
Earlier, PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh had alleged that some “outside” IAS officers were indulging in banderbaant of development funds in hill districts while sidelining elected public representatives—remarks that triggered a major political and administrative storm in Himachal Pradesh.
“This is not a personal issue but a matter of dignity of the Assembly and constitutional offices. Such lapses cannot be treated as routine oversights.” — Yadvinder Goma, Minister
Goma has submitted a formal notice to the Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, invoking Rule 75 of Chapter 12 of the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.
The notice pertains to the alleged failure of the district administration to follow protocol during the Republic Day–related state-level event in Mandi, triggering sharp reactions in both political and bureaucratic circles.
In his complaint, the minister stated that he reached Mandi on January 25 to attend the Full Statehood Day celebrations, but neither the DC was present to receive him nor was any official arrangement or prior communication made on behalf of the district administration.
Goma termed this a serious breach of established protocol and administrative responsibility, particularly given the constitutional status of a cabinet minister and the national importance of the occasion.
The minister alleged that the absence of the DC reflected administrative apathy and insensitivity. He maintained that the lapse was not a personal slight but an affront to the dignity of the Assembly and a constitutional office. Such conduct, he argued, could not be brushed aside as a routine oversight.
Goma has urged the Speaker to admit the notice as a case of breach of privilege, seek an explanation from the DC Mandi, and issue strict directions to ensure that such protocol violations are not repeated in future.
The move has added fresh heat to the state’s political landscape, with the issue now set to be examined at the highest level.
Meanwhile, DC Mandi Apoorv Devgan has so far not responded publicly to the allegations or the privilege motion notice.
The district administration is yet to place its official version on record explaining the circumstances on January 25, when the minister arrived in Mandi for the state-level function.
