Shimla, 09 September: Six employee leaders of the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat are facing serious consequences following a violent protest demanding release of dearness allowance (DA) and arrears. According to information, a privilege breach motion has been filed against these leaders for critical remarks made during a recent general meeting, which openly targeted the government and some of its ministers. Sources have confirmed that proceedings in this regard have already begun.
The motion names Sanjeev Sharma, president of Himachal Pradesh Secretariat Services Organization, and Kamal Kishore Sharma, general secretary of the Secretariat Employees Federation. Leaders of the Secretariat Class IV Employees Organization, Drivers Union and PA/PS Association are also included in it. The controversy stems from remarks made during a gathering, which clearly mentioned and criticized Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani.
Various employee unions at the general meeting organized by the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat Employees Federation stressed their demands, primarily the release of DA and arrears linked to the revised pay scale. However, the protest soon took an aggressive tone, with employee leaders questioning the government’s handling of their grievances. Minister Rajesh Dharmani’s response to the protest, in which he downplayed the movement, led to further outrage among employee leaders. In response, the leaders further escalated their criticisms during the general body meeting, directly targeting the minister and the government’s overall approach.
What made matters worse was the viral spread of videos showing the leaders’ comments. These videos circulated widely on social media, garnering significant attention. Following this, notices were issued to several employee leaders under the conduct rule, to which they have responded. The privilege motion is now the latest chapter in the growing dispute between employees and the government.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the privilege motion filed against the leaders has already begun to move forward. It is unclear what specific action the government might take as the situation unfolds. However, pressure on employee leaders is mounting as the dispute escalates.
In view of the ongoing breach of privilege motion and the legislature session, the secretariat employees’ unions have decided to temporarily suspend their protests. The employee leaders are expected to hold another general body meeting on September 11 or 12 after the monsoon session of the assembly concludes. While this adjournment will provide temporary relief, tensions are likely to rise again after the session ends.
As the government continues its action against the employee leaders, all eyes will be on how this dispute progresses. What started as a demand for financial rights has now turned into a major standoff between the secretariat employees and the Himachal Pradesh government. Whether this will lead to further tensions or lead to a solution will be seen in the coming weeks.
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