Jairam Criticizes Government’s Focus on Liquor Sales Over Public Welfare

Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur has strongly criticized the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government, accusing it of turning the idea of “system change” into a farce. He claims that the government is overly fixated on selling liquor, neglecting the needs of the common people.

In a statement from Shimla, Thakur highlighted that the state government is forcing municipal bodies, including Shimla Municipal Corporation, to run liquor shops. “The Junior Engineer and other staff who were supposed to be engaged in public welfare work are now being deployed to sell liquor. If they’re selling alcohol, who will do the people’s work?” he questioned.

Thakur pointed out that in the Shimla Municipal Corporation alone, one Junior Engineer, seven inspectors, 18 home guards, and over 20 other employees have been assigned liquor sales duties. “Their offices wear a deserted look. Citizens visiting with their grievances are returning without getting any work done,” he added.

He warned that such decisions have brought essential civic operations to a standstill. “Issuing tax bills, clearing encroachments (Tehbazari), preparing development proposals, and collecting dues — all these have been badly affected,” he said, noting that 19 liquor shops in the city have now been handed over to the municipal corporation.

Thakur also criticized the government for assigning property inspectors — who previously handled tax assessments and issued NOCs — to manage liquor shop accounts. “This is troubling the very residents the civic body is meant to serve,” he said.

Taking a broader swipe at the government, Thakur mentioned the plight of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) teachers. “Their job is to teach and promote research, but today they are forced to protest for salaries. Just last month, HPU’s teaching and non-teaching staff were on strike demanding their dues,” he said.

He urged Chief Minister Sukhu to stop disrupting established systems under the pretext of change. “This government is not changing the system — it is destroying it,” he concluded.