HP workers with political links get sack notice

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has directed Chief Secretary R. Bhattacharya to suspend all such employees as were found supporting one political party or the other during the election campaign by 5 pm tomorrow. If the orders are not complied with by the officials, concerned departmental heads would be placed under suspension.

This directive was issued by the CM on the floor of the House while winding up discussion on the budget today. Expressing concern over politicisation of state employees’ unions, he said that various employees unions published advertisements under their names in dailies in support of one party or the other which was a gross violation of the service rules.

Virbhadra said he was amazed at the way service rules were being flouted. It had become necessary to wield the rod of discipline, he said.‘‘Agar Main Rooi Kee Tarah Naram Hoon, To Ispat Kee Tarah Sakhat Bhi Hoon,’’ he added.