Minister Dhaniram Shandil, son part of 10-member delegation
TNR News Network
Shimla: A clerical error in an official notification has stirred a political storm in Himachal Pradesh after the Health Department described the Health Minister’s son, Colonel (Dr) Sanjay Shandil, as an “accomplice” of his father, Health Minister Col (Dr) Dhaniram Shandil.
The term accomplice, widely understood to mean “partner in crime” or “co-accused”, has drawn sharp criticism from the Opposition and ignited a wave of public outrage online.
The controversial notification, issued by the state’s Health Department on September 16, listed members of a 10-member delegation scheduled to visit London and France from October 2 to 11. The stated purpose of the trip is to study advancements in healthcare, including robotic surgery and kidney transplant infrastructure, to replicate best practices in Himachal Pradesh.
However, it was the description of the Health Minister’s son, listed as “accomplice of Hon’ble Health & Family Welfare Minister”, that instantly caught attention. On social media, the wording was ridiculed and criticised, with many citing dictionary definitions equating “accomplice” to a criminal associate.
While some speculated the error may have stemmed from a poor translation or misunderstanding of formal titles, others questioned how such a significant mistake made it past official vetting.
Opposition questions timing and spending
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur was quick to pounce on the error, calling the entire tour “ill-timed and extravagant” given the state’s ongoing recovery from recent natural disasters. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “At a time when Himachal is grappling with calamity and economic hardship, this government finds it appropriate to send a 10-member team abroad — and then calls it an ‘exposure visit’ while wrongly labelling its own Health Minister’s son as a criminal. A comedy of errors or a tragedy of governance?”
The Opposition has also questioned the source of funding. As per the notification, all expenses, including airfare, accommodation, insurance and visa fees, are to be borne by interest income accrued by the Himachal Pradesh Medical Services Corporation Limited, a state-run body.
Government silent, tour under review
Despite mounting pressure, the state government has so far remained tight-lipped. Multiple attempts to reach Health Minister Dhaniram Shandil and Health Secretary M Sudha Devi went unanswered.
According to sources within the Secretariat, internal discussions are underway regarding the possibility of cancelling or postponing the tour, particularly in light of the backlash over both the expenditure and the language used in the notification.
While no formal clarification or apology has been issued, government insiders admitted the term “accomplice” was likely a drafting error and not intended to imply any wrongdoing on part of Col. (Dr) Sanjay Shandil.
The official government notification addressed to the Ministry of External Affairs is as follows:
10-member Himachal govt delegation:
- Col. (Dr.) Dhani Ram Shandil
Health & Family Welfare Minister, Himachal Pradesh - Sanjay Rattan
MLA, Jawalamukhi, Kangra district, HP - Capt Ranjeet Rana
MLA, Sujanpur, Hamirpur district, HP - Sudha Devi, IAS
Secretary (Health) to the Government of Himachal Pradesh - Dr Gopal Beri
Director, Health Services, Himachal Pradesh - Pradeep Thakur, IAS
Managing Director, National Health Mission, Himachal Pradesh - Divyanshu Singhal, IAS
Managing Director, Himachal Pradesh Medical Services Corporation Ltd. - Dr. Rakesh Sharma
Director, Medical Education & Research, Himachal Pradesh - Dr Anadi Gupta
State Programme Officer, National Health Mission, Himachal Pradesh - Col (Dr) Sanjay Shandil
(Erroneously referred to as “accomplice” of the Health Minister in the notification)
Son of Health Minister; likely included as a medical professional or advisor
