HPSEB employees demand restoration of Posts, withdrawal of retrenchment orders , OPS

Shimla, Oct 23,

Union leaders and representatives of the HPSEB Employees & Engineers met with Rajesh Dharmani, MLA and Chairman of the Cabinet Sub Committee, today to present a charter of six demands. Among the key demands were the restoration of 51 abolished engineering posts, the implementation of the Old Pension System, the withdrawal of retrenchment orders for 81 outsourced staff, and the initiation of recruitment processes for vacant posts.

The employees presented their demands to Dharmani, who is heading a committee tasked with identifying cost-saving measures for the state government. The HPSEB Employees & Engineers Union expressed hope that the Cabinet Sub Committee would consider their demands and take appropriate action, emphasizing their importance for the well-being of the employees and the efficient functioning of the HPSEB.

Escalating protests

On October 18, the HPSEB Employees and Engineers Joint Front announced an exit from WhatsApp groups created by management for complaint resolution and official communication. This marked the beginning of their protests against the government’s actions, including strict adherence to the “Work to Rule” guidelines. The employees stated that they would refuse all tasks outside of their normal duties, including KYC-related work, as part of their demands to reverse the decision to abolish posts.

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Heera Lal Verma, President of the HPSEB Employees Union, criticized the government for recklessly scrapping essential positions in the engineering cadre without consulting employees or assessing the impact on the board’s operations.

The government has also faced criticism for its decision to lay off 81 drivers employed on an outsourced basis in various subdivisions of the state. The government blamed the Central Government’s scrappage policy for the retrenchment, citing a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) that mandated the grounding of vehicles older than 15 years.

Also read: HPSEBL lays off 81 drivers, faces crticism

Government response

Responding to a media query Dharmani stated acknowledged the meeting with HPSEB employees and stated that their demands have been heard and those which are considered valid shall surely be fulfilled soon.

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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Himachalscape bureau

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.