Shimla, July 31: Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur on Friday criticized the state government for failing to initiate the Himachal Administrative Services (HAS) and Allied Services recruitment process despite the end of July, alleging that thousands of aspirants are still waiting for the notification.
In a statement issued from Shimla, Thakur said that even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the HAS recruitment process had continued uninterrupted, but the present government has failed to begin the exercise. He alleged that while the government is granting two-year extensions to retired officers, it is neglecting opportunities for young aspirants.
The BJP leader urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to start the recruitment process without further delay, stating that the state requires young administrative officers rather than reliance on retired officials.
Thakur also accused the government of failing to fulfil its employment promises, alleging that announcements regarding recruitment remain confined to paper. Referring to the Junior Office Assistant (Library) recruitment, he claimed that financial approval for 235 posts had been granted in March 2024 as part of a phased recruitment for 771 posts, but the recruitment process remains incomplete. He further alleged that the government has failed to submit timely status reports before the High Court.
The Leader of Opposition said the Congress came to power after promising five lakh jobs but has instead abolished government posts and removed employees. He alleged that several categories of posts, including chowkidars, drivers and SDOs, have been scrapped, while retired officials continue to receive service extensions.
Thakur further accused the government of favouring its associates in recruitment matters and alleged irregularities in outsourced nursing recruitments. He also claimed that ministers have publicly acknowledged recommending appointments, questioning the transparency of the recruitment process.







