Chief Secy defends Holy party, says it was govt event

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena today said that the much talked about party on Holi was not his personal event but was organised by the General Administration Department. That was why the party’s bill was sent to the government.

Saxena, while addressing mediapersons at Manali, said that such a practice was common and the Chief Minister and the Governor also host parties on various occasions. He added that the party was not of my relatives but the officers and the staff of the department.

He said that it was not my birthday party and the media should have given him an opportunity to present his views before publishing news. A controversy had erupted after a bill of Rs 1,22,020 of a lunch party during the Holi festival in the name of the Secretary, GAD, issued by The Holiday Home hotel of the HPTDC circulated on social media. It mentions ‘Information Bill’ on the top and lunch and snacks for 75 persons and lunch for 22 drivers. The critics also alleged that the said bill also lacked a number and the date of issuance.

The Chief Secretary said that traffic in Manali was not a 24X7 issue and the major issue was the allotment of manpower, which would be ensured as per the requirement. He added that a provision of a huge budget for protection from floods in the entire area would be considered.

Himachal Tribune