AJAY KUMAR UPADHYAY
BILASPUR: The Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) Drivers Union has issued a stern ultimatum to the state government and corporation management, demanding the release of long-pending financial benefits by February 15. The union has warned that failure to meet their demands will result in a statewide agitation, for which the government will be solely responsible.
Presiding over a crucial meeting at the District Council, Union State President Man Singh expressed outrage over the non-payment of 60 months’ worth of overnight allowances, amounting to crores, along with pending medical reimbursements. He reminded the government that Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu had announced Rs 50 crore for overnight dues by December 31, 2024, and another Rs 50 crore by March 31, 2025, along with Rs 9 crore for medical bills during HRTC’s Golden Jubilee celebrations on October 12. However, despite multiple meetings with the Chief Minister in Dharamshala and Shimla, the union has received nothing but empty assurances.
Adding to their grievances, the drivers lamented that even after 27 years of service, there are no promotion opportunities, forcing them to retire in the same position. The union has demanded immediate resolution of these issues, failing which, they will be left with no choice but to launch a mass protest.
The meeting saw participation from key union leaders, including Chairman Milap Singh, General Secretary Ganga Ram, Chief Advisor Suresh Thakur, State Spokesperson Rajendra Thakur, and 200 HRTC drivers, all unified in their demand for justice.