Shimla:
In a glaring case of administrative contradiction, two back-to-back government communications in Himachal Pradesh have exposed what many are calling a “complete breakdown of coordination” within bureaucracy, triggering sharp reactions on social media.
On one hand, a notification issued by the Department of Personnel clearly directs all departments to halt proposals for extension, re-employment, or re-engagement of retired officials.
The communication, signed by Neeraj Kumar, categorically states that such practices must stop immediately and those already on extension would be deemed retired after completion of their current tenure.
But this notification bears no date exposing how the officials are making mockery of the system.
However, in a contradictory move, the Public Works Department (PWD) issued a fresh notification on April 7, 2026, approving the re-engagement of a retired Assistant Engineer, Mansa Ram, for a second term of six months post-retirement.
The move has raised serious questions: how can one arm of the government impose a blanket restriction while another continues business as usual?
What has further angered the public is the apparent casual handling of official processes.
The timing of the re-engagement order—issued despite clear directions against such practices—has been widely criticized as administrative indifference at best and defiance at worst.
The PWD notification bears the signature of Surjeet Singh Rathore, Additional Secretary (PW), bringing accountability into focus.
Observers say such lapses are not mere clerical oversights but reflect deeper systemic issues where directives are either ignored or poorly communicated across departments.
The issue has snowballed online, with users questioning governance standards and highlighting how such contradictions erode public trust.
Both notifications have been widely circulated, amplifying criticism over what many describe as “policy paralysis” and “double standards” within the administration.
