Himachal Government Affidavit Exposes Over 1.07 Lakh Job Vacancies Across State Departments

Shimla : Government employment data came to light in Himachal Pradesh after the state government submitted an official affidavit before the High Court. According to the document filed during ongoing proceedings regarding outsourced staff recruitment, more than one lakh government positions are currently vacant across various departments.

The figures were submitted to a division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi. Out of a total sanctioned strength of 3,36,542 positions in the state, only 2,28,891 posts are currently filled under established recruitment rules. This leaves a total of 1,07,466 vacant positions awaiting appointment.

The state government informed the court that 14,619 workers are presently employed through outsourcing agencies. Detailing recent recruitment efforts, the affidavit noted that since January 1, 2023, direct recruitment filled 10,989 posts under standard service rules, while 12,004 appointments were completed through the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission and the State Selection Commission.

Alongside the vacancy disclosures, the High Court scrutinized a tender process involving the recruitment of 60 staff nurses on an outsourced basis. The bench pointed out a lack of clear recorded reasons for disqualifying rival bidders in favor of a specific vendor. Consequently, the court directed state counsel to file a supplementary affidavit addressing the tender discrepancies.

Advocates representing the petitioners requested time to examine the newly submitted data. Consolidating all related petitions, the High Court scheduled the next hearing for September 8.