Key posts lying vacant in Pangi, locals unhappy
Temporary appointments and vacant key administrative positions in Pangi have sparked widespread discontent among local residents, especially for posts of the administration of the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP).
Since 1986, Pangi has been governed by a single-line administration under an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer serving as Resident Commissioner, who oversees the development of the valley and addresses the welfare of the tribal population. This officer also manages the Tribal Area Development and Non-Development Budget, running into hundreds of crores annually, while handling administrative matters and resolving public grievances.
In August 2024, the Himachal Pradesh Government transferred IAS officer Ritika Jindal, the then Resident Commissioner of Pangi, without naming a replacement. In her absence, an officer from the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Service (HPAS), who serves as the Subdivisional Officer (Civil), was given additional charge of Resident Commissioner.
Adding to concerns, the post of Executive Engineer (XEN) for the Pangi division of the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department has been lying vacant since July 2024. An Assistant Engineer from the Killar subdivision was assigned the XEN’s duties alongside his current responsibilities, further reflecting the pattern of delegating higher responsibilities to lower-ranking officials.
The post of Block Development Officer (BDO), essential for managing central and state schemes, has also been lying vacant since November 2023. Financial authority related to this office was assigned to a non-gazetted Superintendent Grade-II, which violates the Himachal Pradesh Financial Rules, 2009. Traditionally, these powers were held by the SDO (Civil), Pangi.
The delegation of authority has raised concerns among locals, with leaders like Trilok Thakur, chairman, Pangi Ekta Manch, expressing frustration. Thakur flayed the government’s negligence and lack of permanent appointments, which he said compromised checks and balances, leading to conflicts of interest.
