Who is Prabodh Saxena, facing backlash over ₹1.22 lakh Holi bill?
Prabodh Saxena, a 1990-batch IAS officer, has been making headlines recently for all the wrong reasons. As the newly appointed Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh, Saxena has been facing criticism for sending a whopping ₹1.22 lakh bill to the government for Holi celebrations hosted by him. This move has sparked outrage, with many questioning the propriety of using public funds for private events.
But who is Prabodh Saxena, and what is his background that has led to this controversy? In this blog post, we will delve into Saxena’s bio, exploring his educational qualifications, career, and roles he has held in the past.
Education and Early Career
Prabodh Saxena holds a degree in Economics from the University of Delhi and a degree in Law from the Himachal Pradesh University. After completing his education, Saxena joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1990, as a member of the 1990-batch.
Saxena has had a varied career, serving in various administrative roles across different departments. He has worked as the Additional Chief Secretary for Finance and Planning, a position that has given him significant exposure to financial management and planning.
Career Highlights
Some of Saxena’s notable career highlights include:
- Additional Chief Secretary for Finance and Planning: Saxena has held this position since 2018, responsible for overseeing the state’s finances and planning.
- Secretary for Tourism: Saxena has also served as the Secretary for Tourism, a role that has given him experience in promoting the state’s tourism industry.
- Director, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation: Saxena has held this position, responsible for developing and promoting tourism in the state.
The Controversy
So, what exactly is the controversy surrounding Saxena’s Holi celebrations? According to reports, Saxena hosted a lavish Holi event at his official residence, which was attended by several dignitaries and bureaucrats. The event, which was reportedly held on March 8, 2023, allegedly cost the state exchequer a staggering ₹1.22 lakh.
The move has sparked outrage, with many questioning the propriety of using public funds for private events. Critics argue that Saxena’s actions are a clear misuse of public funds, and that he should have borne the costs himself.
Reaction from the Government
The Himachal Pradesh government has been facing intense pressure to respond to the controversy. While the government has not yet made any official statements on the matter, it is clear that Saxena’s actions have caused significant embarrassment to the administration.
Some politicians have called for Saxena’s resignation, citing the misuse of public funds as a major reason. Others have demanded an inquiry into the matter, to ensure that Saxena is held accountable for his actions.
What’s Next?
As the controversy surrounding Saxena’s Holi celebrations continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the embattled Chief Secretary. Will he be able to weather the storm, or will his actions lead to his resignation or even dismissal?
One thing is clear, however: Saxena’s actions have sparked a much-needed conversation about accountability and transparency in government. As public officials, it is essential that they are held accountable for their actions, and that they are transparent in their use of public funds.
Conclusion
Prabodh Saxena, the Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh, has been facing backlash over a ₹1.22 lakh bill for Holi celebrations hosted by him. As we explore Saxena’s bio, it becomes clear that he has had a distinguished career, serving in various administrative roles across different departments. However, his actions in hosting a lavish Holi event at his official residence have sparked outrage, with many questioning the propriety of using public funds for private events.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Saxena. One thing is clear, however: the move has sparked a much-needed conversation about accountability and transparency in government.
Source:
https://thecsrjournal.in/public-money-private-party-holi-event-chief-secretary-triggers-outrage/
