XEN suspended for unauthorised absence, misconduct in Lahaul-Spiti

In a major disciplinary action, the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) has suspended Er Vijay Kumar Thakur, Senior Executive Engineer posted in Lahaul and Spiti district, on charges of insubordination, unauthorised absence and misconduct towards the Deputy Commissioner during a critical disaster situation.

The action follows a formal communication from Lahaul and Spiti DC Kiran Bhadana to senior state officials, including the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of HPSEBL and the Additional Chief Secretary (Tribal Development), seeking strict disciplinary proceedings against the officer.

According to the DC’s letter dated September 2, 2025, Thakur proceeded on leave for over 30 days without prior approval or intimation — an act deemed unacceptable during the emergency caused by heavy rainfall and landslides from August 25 to 28. His prolonged absence reportedly hampered the district’s disaster response, as he was the key officer responsible for maintaining electrical infrastructure in the difficult and disaster-prone terrain of Lahaul-Spiti.

The letter further alleged that when recalled, the officer chose to rejoin duty from Manali instead of directly reporting to Keylong, despite the reopening of the Manali-Koksar road by August 30. Upon eventually reaching Keylong on September 1, he allegedly failed to report to the DC and later misbehaved with her when summoned. In the presence of other officials, he is said to have refused to attend meetings, stating that the DC could take “whatever action deemed fit”.

Terming the conduct “unbecoming of a government officer”, the DC described it as deliberate insubordination and lack of cooperation during an emergency.

Acting on this, the Managing Director-cum-Disciplinary Authority of HPSEBL issued an order on September 2, placing Thakur under suspension with immediate effect under Rule 10(1) of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965. His headquarters have been shifted to the office of the Executive Director (Personnel) at HPSEBL headquarters in Shimla and he has been barred from leaving without prior approval. Subsistence allowance will be issued separately.

The suspension order has been circulated to 11 offices concerned, including the DC Lahaul-Spiti, Chief Accounts Officer and Superintending Engineer (Kullu).

The incident has stirred debate in bureaucratic and political circles, highlighting the need for discipline and accountability among senior officers, particularly in remote and disaster-prone regions like Lahaul-Spiti where coordination is critical. Further disciplinary proceedings are expected following an inquiry into the officer’s conduct.