CM Sukhu Opens Expanded Secretariat Complex in Shimla

Shimla witnessed a significant addition to its administrative infrastructure on Monday as Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the newly built extension of the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat along with a modern Chief Minister’s office. More than just a new building, Sukhu described the facility as an investment in the state’s governance system, designed to serve future governments and the people of Himachal Pradesh for decades to come.

Speaking to the media after the inauguration, the Chief Minister emphasized that the new complex should not be viewed as a personal office or a symbol of an individual leader. Instead, he called it an institutional space that strengthens the functioning of government.

“This is not the Chief Minister’s house,” Sukhu remarked. “It is the home of an institution. Governments change, Chief Ministers come and go, but institutions continue to serve people for generations. This building has been created with that vision.”

The need for a larger and more efficient facility, according to Sukhu, arose from the limitations of the existing Chief Minister’s Office. Visitors arriving from remote villages, government employees, and officials often faced overcrowded waiting areas and inadequate facilities. The newly constructed complex seeks to address those concerns by providing dedicated spaces for the Chief Minister, senior officials, legislators, staff members, and members of the public.

One of the major improvements is the addition of parking space for around 40 vehicles. The Chief Minister noted that the dedicated parking area would help ease congestion around the Secretariat and reduce traffic disruptions that frequently occurred when ministers or senior officials visited the complex.

Built at an estimated cost of nearly Rs 20 crore, the extension houses around 15 rooms and forms the first phase of a broader infrastructure plan. Sukhu revealed that the government is already considering a second office building nearby to accommodate ministers under one roof, a move aimed at improving coordination and administrative efficiency.

Congratulating the people of Himachal Pradesh on the completion of the project, Sukhu said the new facility represents an important step toward modernizing the state’s governance infrastructure.

The inauguration, however, has not been without political debate. Opposition leaders have criticized the expenditure, calling it unnecessary. Sukhu strongly rejected those allegations, arguing that the building is a long-term public asset that will serve successive governments regardless of political affiliation.

“If another Chief Minister takes office 15 or 20 years from now, they will use the same office. This is not about me; it is about creating appropriate infrastructure for the institution of government,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of democratic institutions, Sukhu compared the Chief Minister’s Office and Council of Ministers to other pillars of governance, such as the judiciary and executive administration. He stated that the state’s highest elected office should have facilities that reflect its responsibilities and role in public service.

The Chief Minister also responded to questions regarding a Public Interest Litigation filed in the Himachal Pradesh High Court related to the project. Stressing the importance of democratic rights, he said that every citizen has the freedom to approach courts or elected representatives to raise concerns.

Beyond the building inauguration, Sukhu also hinted at upcoming political developments. He confirmed that the long-awaited expansion of the state Cabinet would take place soon and indicated that ministerial portfolios could also be reshuffled.

Turning to the Kishau multi-purpose hydropower project, Sukhu took aim at BJP leaders for claiming credit for recent developments. He maintained that the agreement was achieved through sustained negotiations involving the concerned states and officials, rather than intervention from national political leaders.

The Chief Minister asserted that upon assuming office, his government refused to accept an agreement signed by the previous BJP administration because it did not adequately protect Himachal Pradesh’s interests. He said extensive discussions were held to secure a better deal for the state and ensure that its natural resources were not exploited unfairly.

Sukhu further revealed that proposals offering Himachal Pradesh only 12 percent free power royalty were rejected by his government. According to him, sustained negotiations have positioned the state to gain significantly greater long-term benefits from the 612-MW Kishau project.

Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that the project would become a major revenue source for Himachal Pradesh. While construction is expected to take several years, Sukhu estimated that annual earnings from power generation could eventually reach between Rs 1,200 crore and Rs 1,500 crore, providing a substantial boost to the state’s finances.

As political exchanges over the project continue, the Chief Minister maintained that his government remains focused on safeguarding Himachal’s interests and building institutions that support both effective governance and future development.