Breaking: Himachal Govt proposes major cut in IAS, IPS and IFS cadres; CM Sukhu says state needs fewer officers
Shashi Bhushan Purohit
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), August 18, 2026: The Himachal Pradesh government has proposed a major reduction in the sanctioned strength of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFS) cadres in the state, as part of efforts to streamline the administrative structure and reduce expenditure.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state does not need more officers than required for effective administration and that the government wants to ensure better utilisation of available human resources.
IAS Cadre Proposed to Be Cut by 23, IFS by 35
According to the government’s proposal, the IAS cadre strength in Himachal Pradesh would be reduced from 153 to 130 posts. The IFS cadre is proposed to be reduced from 118 to 83 posts.
The state currently has 96 sanctioned IPS posts, and the government is also considering a reduction in the IPS cadre.
Sukhu said reducing the number of officers would help bring down administrative expenditure. He claimed that reducing even one officer could result in savings of up to ₹200 crore, which could instead be utilised for public welfare and essential services.
Sukhu Wants IAS Cadre Limited to 100-110
The Chief Minister said he personally favours keeping the IAS cadre strength between 100 and 110 officers. However, following objections from some quarters, the government has currently proposed a strength of 130.
He also pointed out that some officers do not have sufficient work, resulting in their capabilities not being fully utilised. The government, he said, aims not only to reduce expenditure but also to make better use of the available administrative workforce.
25 IAS, 24 IPS Officers on Central Deputation
At present, 25 IAS officers belonging to the Himachal cadre are on deputation with the Central Government. Another 24 IPS officers are also on central deputation.
Of the existing 118 IFS cadre positions, 17 officers are currently serving at the Centre.
The state government said it was no longer following a policy of holding back files of officers seeking central deputation. The process of granting approval and relieving officers for central assignments is being expedited.
Government Vehicles to Be Reduced
As part of its expenditure-control measures, the government has also decided to reduce the number of official vehicles available to field officers.
The number of vehicles will reportedly be reduced from the existing 56 to 30. The government is also working towards gradually replacing official vehicles with electric vehicles.
HRTC Administrative Structure May Also Be Rationalised
The government is also considering rationalising the administrative structure of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC).
Sukhu said regional managers should be appointed based on the number of buses rather than simply on geographical regions. The government, he said, would prioritise essential manpower such as drivers and conductors.
Jairam Thakur Targets Sukhu Government
Meanwhile, former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur criticised the proposed reduction in the IAS, IPS and IFS cadres.
Thakur alleged that while the Chief Minister was talking about reducing the number of senior officers, the government was appointing retired officials as advisers and extending facilities similar to those available to ministers.
He also alleged that around a dozen people had been given Cabinet rank along with substantial salaries.
The BJP leader questioned the government’s approach to administrative expenditure and accused it of adopting contradictory policies on reducing the size and cost of the administration.