Shimla Officials Set an Example by Voluntarily Giving Up Electricity Subsidies
In a remarkable gesture of solidarity and support for the state government’s welfare initiatives, Class A and B officers from the Shimla district administration have voluntarily surrendered their electricity subsidy. This move follows an appeal by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and aims to ensure that subsidies are directed towards those who truly need them.
At a ceremony held at Bhachat Bhavan, around 176 officials, including Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anupam Kashyap, Superintendent of Police (SP) Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, and Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Jyoti Rana, led the charge by signing declarations to forgo their subsidies. DC Kashyap, in his address, highlighted the importance of financially stable individuals relinquishing such benefits to allow the government to better focus on assisting the economically disadvantaged.
“We must lead by example,” said DC Kashyap. “Subsidies should be for those who genuinely need them, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that resources are used wisely for the betterment of society.”
SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, who was one of the first to forgo the subsidy, shared similar thoughts, emphasizing the role of government officials in fostering a more equitable society. “By giving up these benefits, we contribute to a fairer distribution of resources,” he remarked.
The process for surrendering the subsidy was simple, with officials submitting forms to the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB), showcasing their commitment to this collective initiative.