In a significant administrative reshuffle in Himachal Pradesh, senior IAS officer and Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Onkar Chand Sharma has been divested of all major departmental responsibilities, retaining only charge of the Tribal Development Department. This move is seen as a continuation of disciplinary measures initiated nearly 17 days ago, when Sharma was placed on compulsory leave.
The action stems from Sharma’s submission of an affidavit to the High Court regarding the investigation into the death of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer of the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited—reportedly without obtaining prior approval from the state government. His conduct was considered insubordination, prompting his immediate suspension.
In the aftermath, the state government has transferred all key departments previously under Sharma to ACS K.K. Pant, a 1993-batch IAS officer. Pant will now oversee critical portfolios including Home, Revenue, Forests, and Vigilance. Additionally, he has been appointed as the Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board.
Meanwhile, Harikesh Meena, the former Superintendent of Police in Shimla who was suspended alongside Sharma, has not yet been reinstated to government service.
The reshuffle has sparked public attention, especially after Onkar Sharma’s wife voiced her disappointment on social media. She alleged that her husband has been unfairly targeted based on unverified complaints, despite maintaining professional integrity. Her post has garnered widespread support, with many users commenting that honest and upright officers should not be penalized in this manner.
