Dehra: A nursery based in Nadaun has submitted a bill totalling Rs 4,96,070 to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office in Dehra for floral decorations used during the Independence Day celebrations. The bill has caused a stir as it involves significant expenses for items such as bouquets, rose sticks, garlands and stage decorations.
Dehra, where the state-level Independence Day function was held, is the constituency represented by Kamlesh Thakur, wife of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while Nadaun is the Chief Minister’s own constituency.
The selection of a nursery from Nadaun for this event in Dehra has led to allegations of favouritism, especially given the close connection between the constituencies. Critics have questioned whether the use of public funds for such elaborate decorations is justified, and whether there was any undue influence in the selection of the vendor.
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The Himachal Pradesh Secretariat Employees Union has already blamed the ruling Congress for lavish expenses, perks and privileges enjoyed by ministers and top officials.
They have questioned the need for four government vehicles per minister, a monthly etiquette allowance of Rs 20,000 and the purchase of luxury vehicles worth Rs 50 lakh for ministers and the Chief Secretary. The union also highlighted the use of government vehicles by ministers’ families and the substantial communication allowances as “excessive and unnecessary”.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sukhu has scheduled a cabinet meeting for Sunday, August 25. The meeting will address several key issues, including pending legislative matters for the upcoming Monsoon Session of the Assembly, which begins on August 27.
High on the agenda are the delayed dearness allowance (DA) and arrears for government employees and pensioners. The government may also announce a relief package for families affected by recent natural disasters and approve new recruitments across various departments.
