Shimla, July 26,
In what appears to be a preemptive strike against rising unrest, the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB) has triggered emergency powers to clamp down on its own employees—banning protests, picketing, and now issuing showcause notices to union leaders.
At the center of the controversy is Hira Lal Verma, Accounts Officer and convenor of the Joint Action Committee representing HPSEB employees and officers. On July 22, the Board slapped Verma with a showcause notice demanding an explanation for holding a press conference in Hamirpur on July 20 without official permission.
The notice sharply questions why Verma left his Shimla office without approval and under what rules he spoke against the HPSEB management and government policies in public. He has been ordered to submit a written reply by 3 PM on July 23, or face disciplinary action.
This sudden show of muscle by the Board came just a day after the government controversially transferred Desh Raj—former Director (Personnel) at HPPCL and an accused in the Vimal Negi death case—back to HPSEB. The move has already stirred anger among staffers, with many viewing it as a signal of impunity at top levels.
Now, with more than 3,500 employees under the scanner, union leaders believe the protest ban is not just administrative—it’s political. “They’re using emergency powers to muzzle criticism and make examples out of those who speak up,” said a senior union representative, requesting anonymity.
Former leaders of the HPSEB employee associations say such extraordinary measures have rarely been used in the past and are likely to backfire. The Joint Action Committee is reportedly preparing to respond with coordinated agitation if the clampdown continues.
The situation is being watched closely, as the tension within HPSEB reflects a broader unease in state-run institutions—where employee voices are increasingly being policed. Whether this firm hand restores order or ignites further backlash remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the battle lines have been drawn.
About the Author
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.
