HP invokes ESMA after HRTC employees threaten strike | Chandigarh News
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh govt on Tuesday imposed the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) for six months on the state-run Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) after employees warned of a strike over timely payment of salaries, pension and financial arrears.The decision was taken to ensure uninterrupted public transport services, which are considered vital for passenger movement, transportation of essential goods, and maintenance of public order.The govt noted that HRTC services had already been declared essential under the Himachal Pradesh Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1972.There were indications of a possible strike, including stoppage of work, mass leave, and other forms of protest that can disrupt transport operations, said an HRTC official. The govt has warned that such actions could seriously affect public convenience and safety, the official added.The order prohibits all forms of strike activity by employees engaged in essential transport services. It also bars any action that obstructs or delays normal operations. Any violation will be treated as illegal and may attract penal action under the law, stated the authorities.The managing director of the HRTC has been tasked with ensuring strict compliance, while district officials and police have been instructed to assist in enforcement.An HRTC official stated that pensioners had been provided financial benefits worth Rs 239 crore while employees received benefits of Rs 74 crore between Jan 1, 2023, and March 30, 2026.The official said that up to July 31, 2025, approximately Rs 35 crore was released to 350 pensioners, while Rs 174 crore was extended towards death-cum-retirement gratuity and leave encashment related to 805 pensioners. Also, Rs 2.75 crore was released for reimbursement of medical bills.A sum of Rs 24 crore was paid towards revised pension benefits to 700 pensioners above the age of 75 years, Rs 2.50 crore as pension allowance to 3,800 pensioners and Rs 75 lakh to 3,500 pensioners under the pay matrix of 50% and 30% of revised pension, the official informed.During the same period, HRTC employees were provided financial benefits worth Rs 74 crore, the official added.MSID:: 131939312 413 |
