Himachal government warns HRTC staff against strike, Deputy CM says ESMA action will follow

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Shimla, June 24

Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has issued a stern warning to Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) employees over their proposed wheel-jam strike, stating that any disruption of public transport services would be considered illegal and that action would be taken under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).

Addressing a press conference in Shimla, Agnihotri said the state government has adopted a firm stance following the HRTC Employees Union’s announcement of a strike beginning on the night of June 24. He asserted that public transport is an essential service and any attempt to halt operations would invite strict legal action.

The Deputy Chief Minister said if employees are unwilling to operate buses, they should hand over the keys to the administration. He maintained that the government has fulfilled all its responsibilities towards HRTC employees and pensioners, ensuring timely payment of salaries and pensions every month without any default.

Agnihotri stated that the public should decide whether such a strike is justified, given that employees are receiving their dues on time. He revealed that during a recent meeting, union representatives remained focused on a single transfer-related issue, while financial demands were not discussed. Despite this, he said the government remains open to dialogue.

The Transport Minister highlighted that HRTC employees are receiving dearness allowance on par with state government employees and continue to benefit from the Old Pension Scheme. He noted that nearly five lakh passengers travel daily on HRTC buses and warned that a strike would cause significant inconvenience to the public.

He further said that June salaries had already been released on the first day of the month and alleged that certain groups were seeking excuses to justify the proposed strike. According to him, HRTC’s primary objective is public service rather than profit generation.

Listing measures taken by the government, Agnihotri said 813 new buses have been added to the HRTC fleet during the past three years. A total of 2,198 contractual employees and 145 piece-meal workers have been regularised, while conductor recruitment has been carried out through the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission.

He also pointed out that a court had declared an HRTC strike illegal in 2016 and urged employee unions to reconsider their decision.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the government has released ₹27.74 crore towards overtime and night allowance dues, ₹5.50 crore for dearness allowance and arrears, ₹1.77 crore for medical reimbursements, and ₹39.38 crore towards salary arrears. He appealed to union leaders to review their decision in the larger public interest.