Himachal: State Information Commission Likely to Be Shifted from Shimla to Kangra, Proposal Expected in Cabinet Meeting
The Himachal Pradesh government is preparing to shift the State Information Commission from the state capital Shimla to Kangra. The new office may be set up in Nagrota Bagwan. A proposal regarding this move is expected to be presented during the state Cabinet meeting on November 24. Earlier, the government had already shifted several offices—including the Tourism Corporation, Wildlife Wing, RERA, and the Anti-Drug Board—from Shimla to Kangra.
Currently, the State Information Commission operates from Khalini, Shimla, where the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioner are posted, although both posts are presently vacant. The commission has 14 regular positions, but only three belong to the ministerial cadre, while most of the staff is either on deputation or outsourced.
Established on February 4, 2006, the commission has remained headquartered in Shimla since its inception. Now, even as recruitment for vacant posts is ongoing, the government is considering relocating it. Sources indicate that a political leader from Kangra has proposed the move, after which the Administrative Reforms Department has consulted the Kangra Deputy Commissioner for site selection.
Employees Oppose Move, Meet Chief Minister
Employees of the State Information Commission have met Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, urging the government not to shift the office. They argue that the relocation would be administratively impractical and would disrupt the functioning of the commission.
They pointed out that the commission’s new government building near the Secretariat in Chhota Shimla is almost ready for use. If the office is shifted to Dharamshala, deputed employees may return to their parent departments, while outsourced staff may not be able to afford the high rentals there.
Additionally, they emphasized that 72–80% of cases handled by the commission involve Public Information Officers posted in Shimla-based departments. Relocating the office to Dharamshala would significantly increase travel allowances and vehicle expenses, placing extra financial burden on the government.
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