Himachal Officers' Body Objects to Kangana Ranaut's 'Lazy' Remark, Warns of Action
Himachal Pradesh BDO association condemns Kangana Ranaut's 'lazy' remark as unparliamentary, warns of strong action if repeated.
A row has erupted in Himachal Pradesh after BJP MP Kangana Ranaut criticised Block Development Officers (BDOs) in her Mandi constituency, prompting a sharp response from their representative body.
The Himachal Pradesh Block Development Officers Association has condemned the actor-turned-politician's remarks, made during a recent review meeting, as "undignified" and "unparliamentary". Association president Gopi Chand Pathak expressed "deep but respectful disagreement" with the manner in which the officers were addressed.
The association has warned that if such language or conduct is repeated, it may be compelled to take "strong action".
Ms Ranaut had reportedly expressed anger over the slow utilisation of funds under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), calling the officers "lazy" and "incompetent". She noted that around Rs 11 crore was available under the MP fund, with only a small portion utilised.
Defending the officers' performance, the association cited MPLADS data for Mandi district. It said 237 works worth Rs 511.71 lakh have been sanctioned through 23 implementing agencies, including 12 BDO offices. Of these, 68 works have been completed, 143 are in progress, and only 26 have not yet started.
The association pointed to several factors affecting the pace of implementation, including the recent introduction of the e-Sakshi portal, delays in land and forest permissions, beneficiary consent, No Objection Certificates, litigation, and panchayat-level issues.
It also highlighted the role BDO offices played during last year's natural disaster in Mandi, including relief, rehabilitation, and restoration of rural infrastructure. The association stressed that BDOs handle a wide range of responsibilities beyond MPLADS, including rural development schemes, grievance redressal, RTI and vigilance matters, and emergency works.
While making it clear that it does not oppose accountability, the association said officers are prepared to explain genuine shortcomings and undertake corrective action wherever necessary.