HPPTCL staff oppose office shift to private building, cite financial and connectivity concerns

Employees of the Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (HPPTCL) have raised strong objections against the corporation’s plan to shift its corporate office from the government-owned Himfed Bhavan to a private building. In a letter to Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, they urged the government to cancel the ongoing bidding process, citing financial strain, poor connectivity, and a violation of state policy.

The employees highlighted that the current office, located in Himfed Bhavan near ISBT Shimla, is strategically situated with good transport links and proximity to key government offices. Shifting to a private building, particularly one in a remote area like Bhattakufar, would create major difficulties for staff due to traffic congestion, lack of direct buses, and heightened risks during extreme weather. They also pointed out that the move contradicts the state government’s policy of housing offices in government-owned buildings.

Financially, the employees argued that HPPTCL, already burdened with liabilities of Rs 1,105 crore for 2022-23, cannot afford the steep rents of private accommodations. Instead, they suggested exploring underutilized government buildings or extending the lease with Himfed to avoid unnecessary expenditure.

This protest comes amid growing tensions between power sector employees and the bureaucracy. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu recently expressed displeasure over the alleged victimization of electricity board employees. In a related development, HPPCL employees have also complained about unfair treatment, including the tragic death of a Chief Engineer reportedly due to management negligence.

The HPPTCL employees have appealed to the Chief Secretary to intervene, withdraw the tender for private accommodation, and ensure their office remains in a government building. Their demands reflect broader concerns over bureaucratic decisions affecting employee welfare and fiscal responsibility in the state.