MANDI: Himachal Administrative Services (HAS) officer Sanjeev Kumar Bhot has applied for voluntary retirement from service (VRS), citing repeated transfers and mental harassment.
His decision has intensified concerns within the state bureaucracy where growing unrest and fear among officers is now clearly visible.
Bhot, who recently served as the SDM in Dharamshala, was transferred in the same position to Bharmour a few days ago, in what was his fourth transfer during the current Congress government’s two-and-a-half-year tenure.
He has refused to take charge at Bharmour and instead submitted his VRS application to the Chief Secretary.
Speaking to the media, Bhot said, “I don’t want to become another Vimal Negi.” His statement refers to Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited who died by suicide recently after being allegedly harassed by his seniors.
Constant transfers a pattern of harassment
According to Bhot, the constant transfers without explanation have caused undue stress and disrupted both professional and personal life.
“If I have made any mistake, the government should say so. Why this silent harassment?” he said.
In May 2023, Bhot was posted as AC to DC Reckong Peo (Kinnaur). After six months, he was transferred to Dodra Kwar as SDM. A month later, he was sent to Dharamshala before being shifted again to Bharmour this week.
He has now refused to join and said he would rather retire than face continued instability.
Joined government service in 1998
Bhot, a native of Rangrik village in Lahaul-Spiti, joined government service in 1998 as a Naib Tehsildar. He has served in various posts, including Tehsildar at Kaza, Kinnaur and Dharamshala. His wife is a government school teacher. The couple has two daughters and one son.
Despite over 26 years of service, Bhot says he is being forced out due to the working environment under the current administration.
Munish Sood
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