Debt-Ridden Himachal Pradesh's Chief Secretary Hosts Rs 1.22 Lakh Holi Party; Asks State Government To Foot Bill; Netizens React
Shimla: A controversy over an unpaid bill of a Holi lunch party thrown by Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena. The party was reportedly organised for officers at Hotel Holiday Home, a Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) property on March 14. The General Administration Department (GAD) was asked to pay the bill.
The matter has now become a bone of contention between the State Tourism Department and the GAD. Around 75 people, including 20 IAS officer, their families and 22 drivers attended the Holi lunch, reported The Indian Express.
The bill, which surfaced online, shows the per plate charges of officers and their families’ food was Rs 1,000. This includes Lunch and snacks. The total cost for the food was Rs 75,000. Meanwhile, Rs 22,350 was GST. Meanwhile, the per plate charge for the lunch served to 22 drivers was Rs 585, amounting to Rs 12,870.
Image of The Bill Which Surfaced Online:
"The bill is still pending with the GAD. No payment has been made," a senior officer of the Tourism Department said as quoted by The Indian Express.
What BJP Said?
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lashed out ta the state government over the entire controversy. The saffron party called the Holi party a “blatant violation of democratic values, ethical conduct, and administrative decorum," reported the media house.
The bill surfaced at a time when Himachal Pradesh is grappling with a debt of Rs one lakh crore.
Netizens' Reaction:
Netizens slammed the state government after the bill surfaced online. "Anyone who thinks only netas ruined Himachal—meet the real heroes. On March 14, Chief Secy Prabodh Saxena hosted a grand lunch for 75+ IAS families at Shimla’s Hotel Holiday Home. The ₹1.22 lakh bill? Kindly forward to the state exchequer," an X user said.
"Himachal Pradesh has over one lakh crore in debt, and pensions are stopped. But the Chief Secretary spent ₹1.22 lakh on a Holi party for 75 IAS officers and their families, then sent the hotel bill to the state treasury. While people are suffering, the ‘king’ is busy feasting," another user said.
"Himachal Pradesh is burdened with a debt of over ₹1 lakh crore, and pensions have been suspended. Yet, the Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh throws a grand Holi party for his 75 commanders (IAS officers) and their families — racking up a food bill of ₹1,22,000," an X user wrote.
With mounting borrowings over the years, an ever-expanding salary and pension bill—nearly 60 per cent of the state’s revenue receipt, the state is moving forward towards financial precipice.
The Cabinet Sub-Committee chaired by Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, Mukesh Agnihotri has submitted a comprehensive report urging the Union Government to waive off the state’s burgeoning debt of Rs one lakh crore.
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