Shimla: In a swift post-retirement development that sparked discussion across bureaucratic and political circles, Prabodh Saxena, a 1990-batch IAS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, was appointed Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) within hours of demitting office as Chief Secretary on Tuesday evening.
Saxena, who retired on September 30, has been appointed for a three-year term. As per the official notification, he will enjoy the rank, status, and responsibilities equivalent to that of a Chief Secretary and report directly to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
Leadership Reshuffle to Accommodate Saxena
To make way for Saxena’s appointment, the incumbent HPSEBL Chairman Sanjay Gupta, a 1988-batch IAS officer, was transferred to the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board. Gupta, too, will continue to operate under the administrative control of the Chief Minister and will retain the rank and status of Chief Secretary.
The high-level reshuffle in top administrative roles has triggered both interest and speculation within the bureaucratic framework, especially considering Saxena’s prominent role in state governance and his close working rapport with the current political leadership.
“Never Applied for Extension,” Says Saxena
Addressing queries surrounding his recent extension and fresh appointment, Saxena clarified that he had not sought any extension of service prior to his scheduled retirement in March 2024. “It was the political leadership’s decision,” he said, subtly acknowledging the confidence reposed in him by the ruling government.
It is noteworthy that Saxena was the only Chief Secretary in the state to receive a six-month extension, which was granted just two days before his originally scheduled retirement in March this year.
Farewell with Praise and Reflections
Earlier in the day, Saxena was accorded a warm farewell at the State Secretariat in Shimla, organized by the Secretariat Administration Department. During his farewell address, he reflected on the progress Himachal Pradesh has achieved since its formation and credited the collective efforts of citizens, leadership, officers, and government employees.
He particularly commended the unwavering commitment of state employees, “who, despite adverse weather conditions, consistently deliver exemplary services.”
Colleagues Acknowledge Saxena’s Service
Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant felicitated Saxena, praising his tenure and contributions to the administration. He also extended warm wishes for his future endeavors and health. Secretariat Administration Secretary Rakesh Kanwar formally welcomed the outgoing Chief Secretary and expressed gratitude on behalf of the department.
Controversial ‘Holy Bash’ Recalled
Mr Saxena’s tenure wasn’t without its share of headlines. He drew public attention earlier this year for organising a Rs 1-lakh religious event at the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC)-run Hotel Holiday Home. While the event was termed a “holy bash,” it stirred public debate over the use of public resources for personal religious events by top officials.
