A Holi celebration organised by Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena has triggered a political and bureaucratic firestorm after a bill amounting to Rs 1.22 lakh was sent to the state’s General Administration Department (GAD) for approval. The event, held on March 14 at the state-run Hotel Holiday Home in Shimla, was attended by around 75 senior bureaucrats, their families, and 22 drivers.
The controversy came to light after a copy of the bill surfaced on social media, leading to a wave of criticism from opposition leaders, civil servants, and the public. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), which manages the venue, had forwarded the charges to the GAD on instructions from Saxena’s office. However, the payment is currently on hold amid growing scrutiny.
According to the details of the invoice, each officer and family member was served lunch and snacks costing Rs 1,000 per plate, while the meals for the drivers were billed at Rs 585 per person. The final amount, inclusive of GST, came to Rs 1,22,020. HPTDC officials have expressed concern, pointing out that the state’s tourism department is already under financial pressure and cannot afford outstanding payments, especially after the High Court flagged poor financial performance in its properties last year.
Opposition Criticises Holi Party as Wasteful Amid Financial Crisis
The timing of the party has also raised eyebrows. Saxena, a 1991-batch IAS officer, was scheduled to retire on March 31 but received a six-month extension on the very day of his farewell. His announcement of the extension reportedly surprised colleagues who had prepared to see him off.
Opposition leaders have strongly condemned the event. BJP MLA Bikram Thakur labeled it as “a clear violation of ethical conduct,” questioning how a debt-ridden state could justify spending public money on such private gatherings. “At a time when Himachal is under financial distress, spending government funds on farewell or festival parties sends the wrong message to the public,” he said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by BJP spokesperson Randhir Sharma and former BJP state president Satpal Singh Satti, who called the move an example of wasteful expenditure. “Even if rules technically allow it, it is neither necessary nor appropriate,” Satti remarked, referring to the Congress-led government’s promises of fiscal discipline.
Bureaucrats Criticise Holi Party Spending
Adding another layer to the debate, former top bureaucrats have also voiced concerns. Retired Additional Chief Secretary Deepak Sanan argued that Saxena could have paid the amount personally and set an example. “The rules do not permit this kind of spending,” he told ThePrint, pointing out that such actions reflect poorly on the civil services. Another retired chief secretary warned that the episode only reinforces the public perception of bureaucrats as enjoying privileges at taxpayer expense.
In his defense, Saxena has insisted that the celebration did not break any rules. Speaking to Dainik Bhaskar, he said it is common practice for the chief secretary, chief minister, or governor to host such gatherings. “The attendees were all government officials and their families. There were no personal guests,” he stated. In another comment to The Indian Express, he said the matter was under the GAD’s consideration and reiterated that the event followed official norms.
The GAD, however, has remained silent. Secretary Rakesh Sharma declined to comment, and no formal decision has been announced regarding the bill.
Sukhu’s Event Ignored, Saxena Faces Renewed Scrutiny Over Past Issues
Interestingly, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also hosted a Holi celebration at his official residence around the same time. That event, too, was catered by the tourism corporation, but no controversy has arisen in that case a contrast that hasn’t gone unnoticed in political circles.
This is not the first time Prabodh Saxena’s name has been associated with controversy. Back in 2019, during his stint in the Finance Ministry, he was named in the Enforcement Directorate’s chargesheet in the INX Media case involving former Union Minister P. Chidambaram. Saxena has since sought court exemptions from personal appearances, citing official responsibilities.
As the state awaits a decision on who will clear the bill, the incident has revived larger questions about transparency, public accountability, and the ethical obligations of top officials particularly in a state struggling with a growing fiscal deficit.
