Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhu plans to save Rs 200 crore by reducing IAS, IFS, IPS officer strength

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state government could save up to Rs 200 crore by reducing the sanctioned strength of IAS, IFS and IPS officers in the state.

The Chief Minister has been long advocating for the reducing the strength of bureaucrats in Himachal Pradesh and has now announced his intention to approach the Union government for the same, reports TOI.

Sukhu, in his announcement, wants to decrease the number of IAS officers from the present 153 to 130, IFS officers from 118 to 83 and in his address to the media said he also plans to reduce the existing sanctioned 96 IPS posts. The CM said that he personally favoured bringing down the IAS strength to 100-110, however, he agreed to retain 130 posts following resentment amongst the cadre.


Read more: Himachal: CM Sukhu disburses over Rs 20 Crore to 4,967 beneficiaries on Independence Day

According to TOI, Sukhu said the state needs officers who are able to effectively implement government schemes, highlighting the shortage of work amongst the cadre which “affects their ability to utilise their talent.” The CM adds that unlike the previous government, the present leadership promptly approves deputation proposals to the Centre. According to him, the savings accrued will be used for the welfare and improvement of the people.

Read more: Himachal CM Sukhu announces 'Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar', 'Indira Gandhi Matri Shishu Sankalp' schemes

According to the agency, bureaucrats claim otherwise, highlighting officers close to the incumbent government being assigned five to six important departments whilst officers of equal capacity have one or two.