A Holi party thrown by Prabodh Saxena, the Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh, has become a topic of intense discussion, particularly because of the significant costs associated with the event. The controversy comes at a time when the state has been grappling with financial constraints and ongoing calls for austerity.
A Lavish Holi Celebration at a Government-Owned Hotel
Prabodh Saxena, who was supposed to retire on March 31, was granted a six-month extension in his position as Chief Secretary. To mark the occasion, Saxena hosted a grand Holi celebration at the Holiday Home Hotel in Shimla, a flagship property managed by Himachal Tourism. The event attracted about 75 guests, including senior IAS officers, their spouses, and children, all of whom attended the festivities at the state-owned hotel.
The Bill Breaks Down
The costs associated with the celebration, especially considering the public office involved, have raised eyebrows. Here is a detailed breakdown of the expenses:
| Category | Quantity | Cost per Person | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch for officers & families | 75 people | ₹1,000 | ₹75,000 |
| Lunch for drivers | 22 people | ₹585 | ₹12,870 |
| Taxi Fare | — | — | ₹11,800 |
| Subtotal | — | — | ₹99,670 |
| GST & Other Charges | — | — | ₹22,350 (approx.) |
| Grand Total | — | — | ₹1,22,020 |
-
The total bill came to a staggering ₹1,22,020, including the lunch costs for both officers and their families, as well as a separate lunch arrangement for drivers.
-
The additional charges included taxi fare for transportation services provided to the attendees, which added an extra ₹11,800 to the total amount.
Why Is This a Problem?
The most significant point of contention lies in the fact that the Himachal Pradesh government may ultimately cover the expenses. According to reports, the bill, which was first sent to the Chief Secretary’s office, was later forwarded to the General Administration Department (GAD). This has led to widespread criticism, as the government is already facing financial strain, with many questioning the use of taxpayer money for such events.
Political Reactions and Criticism
The Holi party has become the focal point of a political dispute, particularly between the Congress and BJP. The BJP has been highly vocal in its condemnation of the event, accusing the Congress-led government of misusing state resources for personal enjoyment.
BJP’s Accusations
Randhir Sharma, a BJP spokesperson and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), raised his concerns about the event, stating:
“It is surprising that, under the Congress government, officers are hosting parties and the state has to bear the costs. The government has been repeatedly claiming a financial crisis, yet this event clearly shows a blatant disregard for public funds.”
Sharma further criticized the lack of action, suggesting that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu—who has promised reforms—should take steps to prevent such instances in the future. He suggested that this event is a clear example of how bureaucrats are enjoying lavish privileges while taxpayers are left footing the bill.
Public Outcry and Social Media Backlash
The bill, along with details of the event, was circulated widely on social media, sparking a storm of negative reactions. Many users questioned the propriety of using public money for a celebration that benefitted only a select group of individuals. Former officers and several commentators echoed similar concerns, highlighting the double standards of the government, which claims financial difficulty while allowing such extravagance.
The Silence of the Authorities
As of now, there has been no official statement from either Chief Secretary Saxena or the Himachal Pradesh government addressing the controversy. The absence of any clarification or response has only added to the frustration among citizens and political opponents alike.
Will the Government Act?
While the BJP is calling for action, it remains unclear whether the state will intervene or review the situation. The lack of response from top officials has left many wondering whether this incident will have any political consequences for the Congress-led administration.
Key Takeaways
-
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, who received a six-month extension in his post, hosted a lavish Holi party at a government-run hotel.
-
The total cost of the celebration was ₹1.22 lakh, including lunch for officers, their families, and drivers, as well as taxi fares.
-
The bill was allegedly forwarded to the General Administration Department of Himachal Pradesh, potentially putting the financial burden on taxpayers.
-
The BJP has strongly criticized the event, accusing the government of wasting public funds.
-
Neither Saxena nor the Himachal Pradesh government has responded to the controversy, leaving the issue unresolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why has the Holi party become a source of controversy in Himachal Pradesh?
A: The controversy stems from the fact that a government official hosted an expensive event at a public-funded venue, and the associated costs were allegedly forwarded to the state’s General Administration Department for payment. This is particularly controversial given the state’s financial issues.
Q2: How much did the Holi party cost?
A: The total bill for the Holi celebration came to ₹1,22,020. This included ₹75,000 for the lunch of officers and their families, an additional ₹12,870 for the drivers’ lunch, and ₹11,800 in taxi fares.
Q3: Has the government responded to the criticism regarding the Holi party?
A: No official response has been issued by Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena or the Himachal Pradesh government regarding the criticism or the financial concerns raised by the event.
Q4: What has the BJP said about the event?
A: The BJP has condemned the event, accusing the Congress government of wasting public funds on unnecessary luxuries while claiming financial crises. The BJP is calling for accountability from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu and the government.
Click here to learn more
