Serious concerns have once again been raised over the utilization of government resources in Himachal Pradesh. During a Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting held at the state secretariat on Tuesday, it was revealed that nearly 1,000 government buildings across the state are lying vacant, while several departments continue to operate from rented premises. This is putting an additional financial burden of crores of rupees on the state exchequer every year.
Chairing the meeting, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi expressed strong displeasure over the situation and directed officials to immediately shift offices to available government buildings wherever possible. He said that running offices on rent despite having government-owned buildings is impractical and goes against fiscal discipline.
Data presented before the sub-committee showed that in many districts and subdivisions, departments have their own buildings which are either unused or remain unoccupied due to lack of maintenance. Meanwhile, the same departments are functioning from private buildings by paying hefty rents, leading to wastage of public funds.
The minister instructed officials to prepare a department-wise list of vacant government buildings and to formulate a time-bound plan for shifting rented offices in a phased manner. He also directed that budgetary provisions be made on priority for repair and basic infrastructure wherever required.
Cabinet ministers Rajesh Dharmani and Yadvinder Goma were also present at the meeting. All ministers unanimously emphasized the need for optimal utilization of government assets and curbing unnecessary expenditure. They noted that this move would not only reduce the financial burden on the government but also improve administrative efficiency. The ministers also remarked that Panchayat elections should have been conducted on time.
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