Shimla, Aug 19,
The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB) currently entangled in a severe economic crisis; growing ire is sparking among its workforce. K.D. Sharma, a key figure in the union representing the board’s employees, voiced concerns about the increasing dissatisfaction among the board’s approximately fifty thousand families. He cautioned the state government that if mismanagement is not addressed and financial stability is not restored, the growing discontent among electricity board employees could lead to widespread protests. He said that the union has initiated state-wide conventions to raise awareness among employees and pensioners about the ongoing issues.
The next significant convention is planned for September 5, 2024, in Mandi, where the union will continue to advocate for a government grant-in-aid of Rs 2,000 crore. This financial aid is seen as essential to alleviate the losses incurred by the board due to the provision of free electricity—a decision imposed by the government that has further strained the board’s finances.
Also read: HPSEB Ltd Employees/Engineers demand Old Pension and Smart metering review
Voicing other issues Sharma stated that in different incidents last year, the board has lost nine regular and five outsourced employees, with 27 others sustaining serious injuries. These unfortunate event highlights the hazardous conditions faced by HPSEB employees as they work tirelessly to maintain the state’s electricity supply. Despite these sacrifices, employees hired after 2003 continue to be excluded from the old pension scheme, a disparity that has been corrected in other government sectors.
Adding that the electricity board has been at a standstill for the past year and a half, with all development projects currently halted. The decision to hire 1,100 technical employees was made in May 2023, yet the recruitment process has still not begun, claimed Sharma.
The state government now faces the daunting challenging task of balancing its fiscal responsibilities with the urgent needs of the HPSEB and its employees.
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