Himachal Pradesh Government has appointed Shri Vidya Chander Pharka, Additional Chief Secretary-cum- Principal Secretary to Chief Minister as Chief Secretary to the Government of Himachal Pradesh with immediate effect. He will also hold additional charge of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Tribal Development and Information & Public Relations Department. He assumed the charge of Chief Secretary today.Born on 15th October, 1959 in Pooh village of Kinnaur district, Shri V.C. Pharka did his schooling from Government High School, Pooh and did graduation from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. He did MA in International Studies and MBA from Australia.He was inducted in IAS on 13th October, 1983 and started his career as SDM, Rohru. He has served the Himachal Pradesh Government in various capacities including Deputy Commissioner of Shimla, Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti districts, Revenue Commissioner of all the Divisions of the State.
Shri Pharka remained Principal Secretary, Agriculture, Horticulture, Administrative Reforms, Training and FA, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Social Justice and Empowerment, Youth Services and Sports. He also served as Director, HIPA besides many other important postings. Shri Pharka was promoted as Additional Chief Secretary on 4 March, 2014 and held the charge of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Tribal Development and Information & Public Relations Department. Shri Tarun Shridhar, Additional Chief Secretary, Personnel, MPP & Power and NCES –cum-FC Revenue will also hold additional charge of Cooperation Department while Dr. Sandeep Bhatnagar, Director, SC, OBCs & Minority Affairs Department will also take additional charge of Director, Women & Child Development Department. Shri Beer Singh Thakur, Registrar, Cooperative Societies will also hold additional charge of Managing Director. H.P. State Electronics Development Corporation.Notifications have been issued in this regard here today.