Himachal declares HRTC essential service under ESMA ahead of June 25 strike
Shimla, June 24
The Himachal Pradesh government has declared the services of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation as an Essential Service under the Essential Services Maintenance Act amid a proposed strike call by the corporation's drivers and conductors unions from June 25.
According to a press note, the Drivers and Conductors Unions of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) have been raising issues regarding certain pending dues.
The management of HRTC has remained in continuous dialogue with the employee unions and has made consistent efforts to resolve their concerns in a constructive manner. Despite these efforts, the unions have given a call for a strike to commence from June 25 in the event that their demands are not met.In this regard, a meeting was also convened on June 23 at the level of the Administrative Department under the Chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary (Transport), Government of Himachal Pradesh. However, during the meeting, the union representatives raised the issue of the transfer of one of the drivers and insisted on its immediate withdrawal.
The representatives remained adamant on this issue and walked out of the meeting without participating in discussions on the demands raised in their notice, despite repeated requests from the other side.The Government of Himachal Pradesh has vide notification dated June 23, declared the services of HRTC as an Essential Service under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA). As per the provisions of ESMA, participation in any strike or related activities is prohibited, and any violation shall invite strict penal action.Further, the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, in its order dated June 13 in CWP No. 1511/2016, has already held such strikes to be illegal.In order to ensure continuity of public transport services and minimise inconvenience to the general public, HRTC is taking all necessary contingency measures. The Corporation has notified a policy for temporary engagement of drivers on a day-to-day basis at fixed remuneration, and a walk-in selection process will be conducted on June 24 at 12:00 noon at all Regional Manager (RM) offices across the State. Eligible candidates possessing a valid HTV/HMV driving licence, a minimum of three years' experience in driving heavy/transport vehicles, and at least a matriculation qualification may participate with relevant documents at the respective unit offices across the state. Under this measure, approximately 656 drivers are proposed to be engaged across 31 depots/units. Additionally, arrangements are being made to engage manpower for conducting bus services through the Himachal Home Guards. Law enforcement agencies have also been requested to ensure the maintenance of law and order across the state.
The management of HRTC has once again appealed to the union representatives to reconsider their decision and withdraw the proposed strike in the larger public interest. The unions have also been apprised of the legal provisions and judicial pronouncements governing such actions.The situation is being closely monitored, and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure uninterrupted transport services for the public.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The union walked out over one driver's transfer issue instead of discussing the larger demands? That seems like bad strategy. In times when HRTC is already struggling financially, such stubbornness hurts the common man more than the government. I'm glad they're arranging temporary drivers and home guards to keep services running. Hope the government also works on HRTC's long-term viability - these bailouts and emergency measures are just band-aids.
This is typical - government declares ESMA to crush dissent instead of solving root problems. HRTC drivers and conductors work in treacherous mountain roads, often for months without proper compensation. Yes, strike causes inconvenience but their frustration is real. @Priya S, you say "stubbornness" but when management repeatedly ignores dues, what's left but strike? The high court calling it illegal doesn't make the employees' suffering less valid.
Coming from a country where transport strikes are common but essential services laws exist, I see both the need for passenger safety and workers' rights. The provision for temporary drivers is smart - but are they trained for mountain driving? HP roads aren't highways. Also, requisitioning home guards shows how serious this is. The real issue is HRTC's financial mismanagement - that's where the government needs structural reform, not just crisis management.
I have mixed feelings. On one hand, ESMA is needed in hilly areas where bus is only option for elderly to reach hospitals or students to reach schools. But on the other hand, this government is quick to use draconian laws against workers while their own pending salary dues pile up. The fact that they're hiring 656 temporary drivers instead of just paying the existing ones - that shows where priorities lie. Does anyone know if these temporary drivers will get same safety training?
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