Shimla, Jan 12,
Employees of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) have expressed strong opposition to the ongoing workforce rationalization process, citing concerns about its adverse impact on staff and operations. In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, HPSEBL Employees’ Union General Secretary Hira Lal Verma has raised serious objections to the hurried approach adopted by the management in revising workforce norms.
The letter alleges that the management is unilaterally drafting new norms without consulting experienced professionals, human resource experts, or the employees themselves. According to the union, any alteration in workforce norms requires extensive research and inputs from stakeholders, as such changes significantly impact the department’s functioning and employees’ service conditions.
“It is concerning that field units are being pressured to submit reports under a predefined format aimed at halving the sanctioned staff positions. This directive, if implemented, could exacerbate the already existing workforce shortages, leading to increased workload and higher accident rates on power lines,” Verma stated.
The letter further highlights a similar exercise conducted in 2017, under the chairmanship of the Chief Engineer (Operations), Central Zone, Mandi. That committee, after extensive deliberations, recommended an increase in staff positions rather than cuts. The union claims that the current process is being conducted hastily and under undue pressure, resulting in a biased report that does not reflect ground realities.
“The data being presented to the Chief Minister by the management is flawed and has been prepared without professional oversight. Rationalization should involve a detailed study conducted by experienced professionals, incorporating inputs from employees, to ensure it does not adversely impact their working conditions or promotional opportunities,” the letter states.
The union clarified that while it is not opposed to rationalization, it demands that the process be carried out transparently and fairly, involving consultations with unions and associations. It also proposed that an external agency with expertise in human resources conduct the study to ensure impartiality.
The employees have requested the Chief Minister to refrain from accepting the management’s current data and direct them to form a team of experienced and qualified personnel to conduct a comprehensive study. The union emphasized that such a team should engage with field units and employee representatives before finalizing any report.
Noteworthy that around month before the State government had abolished the post of Director Civil. Even contracts of 81 outsourced drivers were cancelled as part of the restructuring process.
On the other hand Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has stated on January 10, that efforts are being made to make the Electricity Board more efficient and professional.
