Shimla | January 14, 2026
The controversy over recent remarks made by Cabinet Minister Vikramaditya Singh has deepened, with both the Himachal Pradesh IAS Officers’ Association and the Indian Police Services Association (HP) coming out strongly against what they termed as “divisive” and “demoralising” statements targeting officers on the basis of their regional origin.
In separate signed statements issued here on Wednesday without naming the officer bearers, and not on their official pads, the two premier service associations expressed serious concern over the minister’s public comments, which allegedly sought to create an artificial divide between Himachali and non-Himachali officers serving in the state.
The HP IAS Officers’ Association said while it respects the prerogative of elected representatives to ensure accountability in governance, singling out officers based on their state of origin is inappropriate and harmful to the morale and neutrality of the civil services.
The Association reminded that IAS officers, whether locals or those allotted from other states, are part of the constitutionally created All India Services and are duty-bound to serve the people impartially and faithfully implement government policies.
It clarified that postings and cadre allocations are decided through established constitutional mechanisms involving the Central Government and are not a matter of personal choice.
The IAS body warned that regional stereotyping undermines the spirit of national unity and cooperative federalism, erodes public trust in institutions and adversely impacts service delivery.
Taking an even stronger stand, the IPS Association (HP) unanimously passed a resolution condemning the minister’s remarks, stating that they create an “undesirable divide” within the police force.
The Association said any statement questioning the intent, commitment or legitimacy of officers based on their origin is not only factually incorrect but also highly demoralising and detrimental to the harmonious functioning of the administration.
The IPS Association cautioned that such narratives can damage morale, create distrust within the police machinery, weaken institutional cohesion and adversely affect public governance.
It strongly condemned any attempt to divide IPS officers on regional or parochial lines and reiterated that the police service functions as a united, professional and apolitical institution committed solely to the Constitution and the people of Himachal Pradesh.
The IPS body urged the state government to take serious note of the issue, ensure that such statements are not repeated in future, and uphold the dignity, unity and neutrality of the civil services.
In a demand, it also sought that no IPS officer be posted under the minister concerned.
Both Associations reaffirmed their commitment to work constructively with the elected government while upholding the principles of neutral, effective and accountable administration in the best interest of the people of Himachal Pradesh.
#CivilServices #HimachalPolitics #IAS #IPS
READERS REACTIONS:
1.Had Dy CM and PWD Minister made specific allegations against specific individuals, controversy could have been avoided?
-MANOJ KUMAR, ( TECHIE, HYDROPOWER EXPERT)
2 The issues ,if any should never come in public domain.They become a big topic of discussion.
The issues should rather be settled in the office and the erring officer can be reprimanded in private.
-ASHUTOSH CHAUHAN, (Vice President PGA).
3. Very poor reflection on Govt. But IAS /IPS too need to introspect. Some rotten apples are known to all ..But get political paronage
-Ramesh Negi, (IAS, Former Chief Secretary Arunachal Pradesh).
