Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s recent moves to shift key government offices from Shimla to Kangra have triggered a storm of criticism, trolling, and serious concerns — not just on social media but also among bureaucrats and citizens who see this as political appeasement at the cost of administrative stability.
The death anniversary of Himachal’s founding father, Dr. Y.S. Parmar, was conveniently ignored — a symbolic snub — even as the Sukhu government remained busy relocating the headquarters of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) and the Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department out of the state capital.
These decisions are being sold as “decongestion measures,” but the public isn’t buying the narrative.
“What congestion are they reducing by shifting 100-odd staffers?” asked one retired bureaucrat. “This is nothing but a desperate stunt to gain mileage in Kangra, the CM’s political focus zone.”
Social media is abuzz with questions, satire, and outright trolling. "From 'Vyavastha Parivartan' to 'Vyavastha Gadbad'," one user commented.
Others accused the government of shifting offices for “sadistic pleasure” and not out of any rational planning.
Tourism Corporation in Disrepair
The HPTDC, once the pride of Himachal's tourism sector, is now limping. Instead of filling key vacant posts with trained professionals, the Corporation is outsourcing services, leading to a steep decline in the quality of maintenance and services at prime properties.
Insiders say some once-bustling lodges now lie in a shabby, dilapidated state — ignored by officials who prefer their VIP suites during inspections.
“Rooms stink, taps leak, and you won’t see a cleaning staffer in sight,” said a frequent tourist, adding, “All the hype around Himachal’s tourism doesn’t match the on-ground experience anymore.”
Wildlife Wing Shift — Another Head-Scratcher
Now the Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department is also being uprooted from Shimla to Dharamshala. Forest officials are baffled.
“Wildlife decisions require regular coordination with the forest headquarters in Shimla, Secretariat, and even the High Court. How will files and field reports travel now? On kangaroos?” quipped a senior officer anonymously.
A Financial Burden, Not a Reform
At a time when the state is reeling under a severe financial crisis, the cost of setting up new offices, staff relocations, and logistical hiccups is seen as a reckless move.
"Is Kangra the new capital?" some angry citizens asked, noting that the state secretariat, Assembly, and major departments remain in Shimla.
BJP Mute, Bureaucracy Muzzled
Surprisingly, the opposition BJP has remained mostly silent on the issue. Critics call it an “unholy convenience.” Meanwhile, babus within the government seem tight-lipped — either afraid or exhausted.
One officer summed it up bluntly: “Publicity ke chakkar mein poora system hila diya. Yahan kaam nahin ho raha, sirf photo-op chal rahi hai.”
As political compulsions push governance into deeper chaos, many are asking: Is this the "new Himachal" people voted for — or just a chaotic version of the old one, now centered around Kangra?
