Himachal Confedential

It’s golf time

Golf not only helps in staying in shape but also gives one a perfect body and mind. And this is why a large number of bureaucrats and IPS officers in the town are getting addicted to the game. The historic Naldehra Golf Course,a British landmark,can be seen buzzing with them. Budding lawyers,senior professionals,Army officers,businessmen and a few locals have become arch golfers. But for a few bureaucrats and police officers,there is a another reason behind their interest in the game. It is,they say,lack of favorable working atmosphere,with the “Dhumal coterie” deliberately pushing them away from usual government work. So,rather than cribbing,better to use their energies somewhere else.

Help and let be helped

Opposition Congress’ often charges the BJP government over indiscriminate opening of private universities by saying,“Himachal ko Bihar bana diya”. Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal,however,is trying to give a different meaning to the Bihar connection. The state has followed the Bihar government in passing a Bill to confiscate properties of public servants. Last week,the Union government wrote to Chief secretary Rajwant Sandhu to depute officers for a presentation in Patna regarding the successful implementation of polythene ban in Himachal Pradesh,for which the state has received the prime minister’s best governance award.

Bunking ‘Opposition’ school

“What is the Congress doing these days?” — this is what a BJP leader,fed up with his government and ministers being absent from work,asked a PCC leader in full public view. “Not really the Opposition’s role” — was the instant reply. True to words,the Congress actually seems to be taking a break for the next three months,as AICC General Secretary Birender Singh,who had earlier pushed most party leaders out of their comfort zones,will now be more busy in Uttrakhand — he is supervising the upcoming election there. The BJP government,for now,can take it easy and also find ways to deal with its own internal revolts and squabbles.

Tail Piece

Whatever her fellow bureaucrats,especially those speculating about her future think,Chief Secretary Rajwant Sandhu will not take a post retirement job in Himachal Pradesh. Last week,she reportedly conveyed her desire to a few top IAS officers that she will return home the very next day of her retirement. “Please stop worrying about me or my future. I am packing by bags for retirement. Thanks guys,” she says.