Outsourced employees working for the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Department have warned of a major statewide strike scheduled for December 16. This protest stems from the recent dismissal of 81 outsourced drivers, and if their demands are not addressed by December 11, these workers, numbering over 3,000, threaten to halt operations. The strike could significantly impact power supply and maintenance services across the state, leading to widespread disruption.
Dismissal Sparks Widespread Anger Among Outsourced Employees
The dismissal of 81 drivers has caused intense anger among outsourced staff working in different units, subdivisions, and powerhouses across Himachal Pradesh. These employees are key to the smooth functioning of the state’s electricity services, and their removal has sparked claims of unfair treatment by the Electricity Board management and the state government. Outsourced employees have accused the authorities of neglecting their grievances, which has led to the intensification of protests.
Leaders Speak Out: Unpaid Salaries and Unresolved Issues
Ashwani Sharma, the State President of the Electricity Board Outsource Employees’ State Executive, voiced his frustration regarding the situation. He emphasized that the 81 dismissed drivers have not received their salaries for a month, and the issue of their job reinstatement remains unresolved. “The responsibility for any disruption will fall squarely on the government and the board management,” Sharma stated, highlighting the gravity of the issue and the growing unrest among employees.
Previous Protests and Lack of Progress
The ongoing dispute is not a new development. Earlier protests took place on October 28, when the Electricity Board Joint Front staged a boycott of the board’s decisions. Additionally, on November 7, employees in Kullu demanded the immediate reinstatement of the dismissed drivers. Although meetings between the Joint Front, board management, and government representatives were held in mid-November, no tangible progress has been made in resolving the matter. The repeated lack of communication and failure to address the employees’ concerns have pushed the situation to the brink.
Impact of the Proposed Strike on Himachal Pradesh’s Power Supply
The outsourced employees’ planned strike has the potential to cripple essential electricity services across Himachal Pradesh. These workers are integral to the maintenance and operation of power supply systems, and their absence could lead to widespread outages, disruptions, and delays in routine maintenance. With the upcoming winter months, such a strike could severely affect the daily lives of residents who rely on uninterrupted electricity.
Call for Dialogue and Immediate Action
Despite the escalating situation, outsourced employees have expressed their willingness to resolve the issue through dialogue. However, they stress that their patience is running out. The employees are demanding prompt action from both the state government and the Electricity Board management to reinstate the 81 dismissed drivers and address their unpaid salaries. Failure to do so, they warn, will result in an even larger scale of protests, further impacting the state’s power infrastructure.
A Looming Crisis for Himachal Pradesh
As the deadline of December 11 approaches, tensions remain high in the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Department. The decision to strike on December 16 looms large, and the consequences of such an action could have far-reaching effects on the state’s power sector. With unresolved issues surrounding the dismissal of drivers and ongoing discontent among outsourced employees, the government and board management must take swift and effective measures to prevent a full-scale disruption of services.
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