In a recent administrative move in Himachal Pradesh, senior IAS officer and Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Onkar Chand Sharma has been relieved of all major departmental responsibilities, now retaining only the Tribal Development Department. This decision marks the next step in disciplinary action, following Sharma’s forced leave about 17 days ago. Previously entrusted with overseeing the investigation related to the demise of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited, Sharma submitted an affidavit to the High Court without the state government’s permission, which was deemed insubordinate, leading to his immediate suspension.
Subsequently, the government has reassigned all his major departmental duties to Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant. This includes crucial portfolios such as Home, Revenue, Forests, and Vigilance. Additionally, K.K. Pant has been appointed as the Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board. Notably, K.K. Pant is a senior IAS officer from the 1993 batch.
Under this administrative reshuffle, Harikesh Meena, the former SP of Shimla, who was suspended along with Onkar Sharma 17 days ago, has not yet returned to government service. Meanwhile, Onkar Sharma’s wife has expressed her dismay on social media about his reassignment, suggesting they have become victims of undisclosed complaints despite maintaining integrity. This has sparked support on social media, with many commenting that honest officers should not face such consequences.
