HRTC Drivers Threaten Statewide Strike Over Corruption
The HRTC Drivers and Employees Union warns of a statewide chakka jam from October 8 over corruption allegations and unpaid overtime.
The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) is bracing for a massive disruption as the Drivers and Employees Union has threatened a statewide "chakka jam" starting October 8. The union is demanding immediate action against officials accused of extortion and financial irregularities, alongside the settlement of long-pending service demands.
Allegations of Extortion and Financial Scams
During a protest in Shimla, Union President Mansingh Thakur leveled serious allegations against a Station Officer (SO) posted in Chamba. According to the union, the official has been involved in systemic corruption, including extorting money from conductors and engaging in fraudulent billing practices.
Thakur detailed several specific instances of misconduct:
- An alleged incident where the SO took Rs 4,000 from a conductor at Pathankot, providing a note on a blank sheet of paper.
- Demands for money linked to a fraudulent bill amounting to Rs 3,525.
- The forcible collection of Rs 75,000 from employees, which has reportedly not been returned.
- A broader allegation involving a Rs 37 lakh scam, where the official was allegedly protected by senior management despite previous vigilance inquiries.
"The DDM Chamba has also given in writing that the allegations we raised are true. But, unfortunately, no action has been taken against this person till today," Thakur stated, adding that the official uses claims of strong political connections to intimidate staff.
"Pressure From Above"
The union expressed deep frustration over the perceived double standards within the HRTC management. Thakur pointed out that while drivers and conductors face immediate suspension or termination for minor discrepancies involving small amounts, senior officials accused of major crimes remain untouched.
The union leader also claimed that attempts to pursue the matter have been blocked by higher authorities. "When I spoke to CGM Pankaj Singhal, I was told that there was ‘pressure from above’. I want to know whose pressure it is and why this officer is being protected," he questioned.
The Escalation Timeline
The union has set a strict deadline for the management to act. If demands are not met by Wednesday evening, the protest will follow a phased escalation:
- October 8: A total shutdown of bus services in the Chamba region.
- October 9: A full statewide "chakka jam," halting HRTC services across the entirety of Himachal Pradesh.
Mansingh Thakur has appealed directly to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri to intervene and ensure justice is served.
Unpaid Overtime and Roster Disputes
Beyond the corruption scandal, the union is fighting for basic labor rights. Key service-related grievances include:
- Pending Overtime: The management had promised to clear 12 months of overtime, but only seven months have been paid so far.
- Working Hours: The union is opposing a proposed 48-hour weekly roster, arguing that while they are willing to perform eight-hour daily shifts, the new system could lead to excessive working hours on subsequent days.