VIPs stay at state bhawans without permit: Audit report

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, October 29

The allegations that employees posted at the Himachal Bhawan/ Himachal Sadan in New Delhi and Chandigarh indulge in malpractices and irregularities to oblige unauthorised VIPs are not new but now the audit report of the Accountant General has testified these.

The General Administration Department (GAD) has take serious view of the objections raised in the audit report and issued strict instructions asking the managers of the sadans and bhawans not to accommodate any visitor without making an entry in the visitors’ book, without a valid permit and identity proof and strictly comply with the directions.

The audit report points out that some VIP guests and visitors stayed at the bhawans and the sadans without signing the visitors’ book and producing identity proofs while some persons stayed in these accommodation on permits issued in the names of others.

The GAD letter states that “allowing guests without valid identity proofs and signing the visitors’ book not only threatens the security of the Himachal Bhawans/ Himachal Sadans but also violates the guidelines of the Delhi Police. As such, it is imperative that the visitors’ register is signed by all guests before checking in”.

“The entry should be made with full name, address and mobile phone numbers after producing an identity proof (Aadhaar card, driving licence or some other authentic document). The purpose of the visit and tariff to be charged should also be mentioned in the register,” the letter states.

Some staff members admit that they get orders from senior officers to accommodate guests without a valid permit but refused to identify them. The GAD had issued necessary instructions in the past also but these were not followed in letter and in spirit.

The GAD issued instructions but did not ask the Tourism Development Corporation to identify erring officials and take action against them. Also, there is no set pattern for the deployment of officers in the state bhawans and sadans and junior officers have been posted on the posts of officers of the rank of Deputy General Manager.

Strict view taken

• GAD issues strict instructions to managers to check malpractices.
• Managers of Himachal sadans and bhawans told not to accommodate any visitor without making an entry in the visitors' book, without a valid permit and identity proof and strictly comply with the directions
• Some staff members admit that they get orders from senior officers to accommodate guests without a valid permit but refused to identify them