New Delhi: Himachal Pradesh chief minister-designate Jai Ram Thakur has made it clear that "tired and retired" officials re-employed by the previous Congress regime will be asked to leave immediately after his government is formed.
Former CM Virbhadra Singh had re-appointed many retired officials and the BJPat that time had questioned his government's decision, alleging that "tired and retired" people were running the Himachal administration.

Thakur, who will be the first leader from Mandi to head the administration in Himachal, said he is finalising the names for his cabinet. "New cabinet will have experienced leaders and some new faces," he said.

In his first media interaction after his election as the leader of the BJP Legislature Party, Thakur said no extension would be given to government employees on verge of retirement and no retired officials would be re-appointed. "Decision on those in re-employment or extension would be taken on December 27 after the oath-taking ceremony," Thakur said.

He said voters in Himachal Pradesh have brought the BJP to power and now living up to the expectations of people would be the priority of his government.

"No stone would be left unturned to fulfill the expectations of people for which they have voted the BJP to power with an overwhelming majority," he added.

Thakur said his government will be open to healthy criticism and suggestions to ensure proper development of Himachal Pradesh and to ensure good governance. "Whenever you see that something is not going in right direction, you should bring it to our notice immediately and we will rectify it. I will remain open to criticism and suggestions for the betterment of our state," the CM-designate said.

Efforts would be made to end the VIP culture, Thakur said, adding that appointments of chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of different boards and corporations would be made only on need-to basis.