Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has extended the tenure of retired IAS officer Ram Subhag Singh by another two years despite Sukhu once accusing him of corruption during a session of the state Assembly.
The former Chief Secretary, who had retired from service, now continues to serve as the chief adviser to the CM with lucrative perks, raising questions about the government’s priorities amidst growing public unrest over unemployment.
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Will draw monthly salary of Rs 1.5 lakh
A government notification confirmed the extension for Ram Subhag, a 1987-batch retired IAS officer, stating that he will continue to draw a monthly salary of Rs 1.5 lakh along with travel and daily allowances (TA/DA) typically given post-retirement. Additionally, he will be entitled to one paid leave per month. This latest extension, which is set to be effective from August 1, 2024, comes after he was previously granted a one-year extension on July 31, 2023.
The decision has sparked widespread controversy, particularly given that Sukhu himself had accused Ram Subhag of corruption during the previous BJP-led Jai Ram Thakur government. Sukhu had raised these allegations in the Assembly, questioning the officer’s integrity.
Unemployment protests intensify
The extension comes at a time when the Sukhu government is facing mounting criticism for its handling of unemployment. Thousands of educated and jobless youths have been taking to the streets in protest, demanding more government jobs. Last week, Shimla witnessed large demonstrations where protesters called out the government for outsourcing jobs that offer low salaries ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 per month, a stark contrast to the Rs 1.5 lakh salary being offered to Ram Subhag.
