HRTC Employees Meet Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Appreciate Government’s Support

Shimla, March 21, 2025 – Delegations from various organizations of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) met Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Thursday to express their gratitude for the significant steps taken by the state government to address the concerns of HRTC employees. During the meeting, the representatives of the HRTC organizations thanked the Deputy Chief Minister for the release of Rs 10 crore as overtime allowance to the corporation’s employees, a much-anticipated relief that was positively received by the workers.

The meeting, held at the state capital Shimla, provided an opportunity for the delegations to voice their appreciation for the government’s efforts to support the welfare of HRTC staff. This marks the second installment of the overtime allowance, as earlier this month, the state government had already released Rs 5 crore, bringing the total released amount to Rs 15 crore in recent weeks. The funds have already been transferred to the employees’ accounts, ensuring that the overdue payments are finally being processed.

Commitment to Employees’ Welfare

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri took the opportunity to reaffirm the state government’s commitment to the welfare of HRTC employees. He expressed understanding of the challenges faced by the workers and emphasized that the government is continuously working toward addressing their concerns. Agnihotri highlighted that the administration remains focused on fulfilling all legitimate demands of the employees and that concrete steps would be taken in the future to ensure their well-being.

“The state government has always recognized the importance of HRTC employees in the functioning of the public transport system. We understand the hardships that the workers face, and our government is committed to providing them with the support and benefits they rightfully deserve. We have already taken steps to address their concerns and will continue to do so,” said Deputy Chief Minister Agnihotri.

He further expressed his satisfaction in fulfilling the earlier promise regarding the overtime allowance and reassured the workers that their issues were being given due attention. He pointed out that the government would not only continue to work on resolving pending demands but would also take further action to improve the overall conditions for the employees.

Financial Support for HRTC Employees

The release of Rs 10 crore as part of the overtime allowance is a significant development, as it provides much-needed financial relief to HRTC employees who had been waiting for the payments to be cleared. These allowances were overdue and had caused significant distress among the workers, who rely on these payments for their livelihood. The timely release of funds reflects the state government’s sensitivity toward the challenges faced by the employees.

Earlier this month, the government had also cleared an additional Rs 5 crore, thus ensuring that the HRTC employees were not left without their due compensations. This proactive approach to financial assistance has been widely appreciated by the employees, who now feel that their concerns are being addressed in a more timely and efficient manner.

Ongoing Efforts for Employee Welfare

Agnihotri emphasized that the welfare of HRTC employees is a priority for the state government, and the administration will continue to engage with the employees’ organizations to resolve any outstanding issues. The government is committed to taking long-term steps that will not only address immediate concerns but will also help improve the overall working conditions of HRTC staff in the future.

The state government’s initiatives, such as the release of overtime allowances and efforts to address other financial concerns, are a part of a broader strategy to ensure the smooth functioning of HRTC and to provide better services to the people of Himachal Pradesh. The government aims to strengthen the transport sector, recognizing its importance in connecting remote areas of the state and ensuring mobility for all residents.

Looking Ahead

The meeting also served as a platform for HRTC employee representatives to present any additional concerns and issues they may have. While expressing their gratitude for the recent financial relief, they requested further support from the government in various areas, such as improved working conditions and more comprehensive benefits for workers.

In response, Deputy Chief Minister Agnihotri assured the delegations that the government would continue to listen to their concerns and take appropriate actions. The ongoing dialogue between the government and HRTC employees is expected to pave the way for more cooperative efforts to resolve challenges in the future.

As the government continues to support its employees, it remains committed to maintaining a strong and efficient public transport system, which is crucial for the state’s economy and development. The government’s proactive steps are expected to foster a stronger relationship with the workforce, ensuring better service delivery for the citizens of Himachal Pradesh.