Shimla: In a politically sensitive move, the Sukhu government on Tuesday formally appointed senior IAS officer Sanjay Gupta as the full-fledged Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh with immediate effect, despite the continuing controversy and legal scrutiny surrounding his appointment.
The Department of Personnel issued an official notification appointing the 1988-batch IAS officer as Chief Secretary to the Government of Himachal Pradesh “in public interest.” Gupta had till now been holding the additional charge of the post while serving as Additional Chief Secretary (Town and Country Planning and Housing).
The notification assumes significance as it comes just days before Gupta’s retirement and at a time when his appointment has remained under the scanner in political and legal circles.
The government’s decision is being viewed as a clear signal that the Sukhu regime has chosen to firmly back its top bureaucrat despite sustained criticism from opposition parties and activists.
The formal order issued by the Appointment-I Section of the Department of Personnel was circulated to all senior bureaucrats, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, heads of departments and central government authorities, officially sealing Gupta’s appointment as the administrative head of the state.
The move has triggered fresh discussion in the corridors of power as the matter related to allegations against the officer is still pending before the Himachal Pradesh High Court. However, the government appears determined to project administrative stability and continuity at the top level of the bureaucracy.
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