Himachal Pradesh to reduce senior bureaucrat positions, says CM Sukhu

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced plans to reduce the number of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers in the state administration. The move comes as the government seeks to optimize its bureaucratic structure to match operational requirements.

Sukhu stated that the state currently has excess officers relative to available work, necessitating a rationalization of the cadre. The administration has begun processing files for officers seeking central deputation, enabling interested bureaucrats to pursue postings outside the state.

The decision reflects broader efforts by the state government to improve administrative efficiency and reduce what officials describe as redundancy in senior-level positions. By facilitating deputation transfers, the government aims to address both the surplus officer situation and provide career advancement opportunities for those seeking positions in central government ministries and agencies.

The exact number of positions to be eliminated and the timeline for implementation have not yet been specified. The initiative is expected to streamline decision-making processes and reduce administrative overhead in the hill state.