Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.
Kuthar, 01 December 2024: Former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur, today expressed his dismay over the current state government’s focus on punishing employees for minor issues while ignoring significant problems plaguing the Himachal Pradesh Roadways Transport Corporation (HRTC). Thakur’s comments came after reports surfaced that employees were being served show-cause notices over trivial incidents, including an issue where a bus passenger allegedly played a video against a senior Congress leader.
HRTC Crisis: Neglected Issues Amid Punitive Actions
At a gathering in Kuthar village near Kasauli, Thakur raised concerns about the government’s skewed priorities. He criticized the administration for focusing on reprimanding HRTC employees over insignificant incidents instead of tackling the ongoing issues plaguing the state-run transport system. According to Thakur, the media has frequently reported incidents involving HRTC buses, such as malfunctioning vehicles, breakdowns shortly after departure, and even wheels falling off moving buses.
“While the government is quick to serve show-cause notices for petty issues, there is a glaring failure to address the substantial challenges within the HRTC,” said Thakur. He emphasized that these incidents have become a daily occurrence, and yet the state government has failed to take effective action to resolve the operational shortcomings in the transport corporation.
Governance in Crisis: Prioritizing Political Concerns Over Public Welfare
Thakur further lamented that, rather than focusing on critical infrastructure and services that directly impact the public, the government seemed more preoccupied with punishing employees over minor grievances. “The government’s obsession with trivial matters, such as investigating a samosa not reaching the Chief Minister’s office, exemplifies the misplaced priorities. Meanwhile, the real problems affecting the people, such as the safety and efficiency of HRTC buses, remain unaddressed,” he remarked.
He also pointed out the growing sense of frustration among the general public, who are continuously exposed to embarrassing and shameful incidents that damage the state’s reputation. “Every day, the state is in the news for something shameful. Whether it’s a bus breakdown or another scandal, the government is not focusing on the issues that matter to the common man,” Thakur added.
State Image Tarnished by Governance Failures
The former CM expressed concerns about the deteriorating image of Himachal Pradesh under the current leadership, criticizing the government’s inability to prioritize public welfare. He accused the ruling government of neglecting essential services while concentrating its efforts on trivial political issues that do not serve the public interest. “The image of Himachal Pradesh is suffering, and the focus of the government is misdirected. They need to address the real issues plaguing the state, but instead, we see the administration embroiled in unnecessary distractions,” Thakur said.
In his speech, Thakur reiterated that the people of Himachal Pradesh are facing difficulties in daily life due to the government’s inability to resolve critical issues, particularly in the public transport sector. He emphasized the need for leadership that can genuinely serve the interests of the people, rather than indulging in political theatrics and punishments for inconsequential matters.
A Call for Action: Addressing the Real Issues
Jai Ram Thakur concluded his address by calling on the state government to refocus its efforts on public service delivery and improve the quality of governance. He urged the government to address the critical issues facing HRTC, such as outdated buses, maintenance failures, and safety hazards, which are putting the lives of passengers at risk.
“The government must stop playing political games and focus on the real problems of the people. They need to put governance back on track and resolve the issues that affect the daily lives of Himachali citizens,” Thakur stated firmly.
With these remarks, the former Chief Minister underscored the importance of effective leadership in restoring public faith in government institutions and improving the overall quality of life for the people of Himachal Pradesh.
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