Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 12 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced a four per cent Dearness Allowance (DA) for Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) employees on Saturday, aligning it with the benefits provided to state government employees.
The Chief Minister said that this increment is set to be a part of the Diwali gift package for the HRTC staff.
“We have decided to increase the DA for HRTC employees by 4%, similar to what we have offered to our state government employees,” stated the Chief Minister. “Moreover, the salaries and pensions of HRTC staff will be disbursed by October 28 this month. We recognize the importance of timely payments, especially around festivals,” Sukhu said.
The Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its Golden Jubilee on October 2, commemorating 50 years since its inception in 1974. The grand event took place in Shimla, with Chief Minister presiding as the chief guest. The occasion was marked with a series of announcements offering major relief to HRTC employees in time for the festive season.
Additionally, the Chief Minister announced that the pending medical bills of HRTC employees, amounting to Rs 9 crore, will be cleared within the next two months. He also committed to paying Rs 50 crore out of the Rs 97 crores pending for 55 months’ worth of overtime work. The remaining payments are to be settled by March 31, 2025. “My commitment is to ensure that all dues are paid by the end of this financial year,” he assured.
Reflecting on his personal connection to HRTC, Sukhu shared, “Forty years ago, my father worked as a driver in HRTC, and I deeply understand the struggles and sacrifices of HRTC employees. At that time, the corporation had around 800 buses in its fleet, but today, the number has grown to over 3,200. Despite the challenges, our government has stood by HRTC employees to ensure their well-being.”
Acknowledging the substantial state support to HRTC, which receives an annual grant of over Rs 700 crore, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for the corporation to enhance its operational efficiency. “HRTC must bring changes in its working system so that the corporation can be brought out of its losses. We are also taking a step towards a sustainable future by initiating the Green Hydrogen Project next month, which aims to modernize the transport sector and reduce its carbon footprint,” he announced.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who also holds the portfolio of Transport Minister, highlighted HRTC’s unwavering commitment to serving the people of Himachal Pradesh. “For 50 years, HRTC has been dedicated to connecting people to even the remotest villages, providing essential transport services,” Agnihotri noted. “Today, around 6 lakh people rely on HRTC for their daily commute. Despite the financial challenges, the current government has never faltered in ensuring timely payment of salaries and pensions for HRTC employees.”
The Deputy CM shed light on the corporation’s operational expenses, including Rs 45 crores spent monthly on salaries, Rs 25 crores on pensions, and Rs 45 crores on diesel. “Even in challenging times, our priority has always been the welfare of HRTC employees and maintaining the continuity of services for the people,” he emphasized. “The government remains committed to supporting HRTC as it navigates its financial hurdles, and the announcements made today reflect our dedication to both employees and passengers.”
The celebration of HRTC’s Golden Jubilee, combined with these significant announcements, aims to boost the morale of HRTC employees and bring financial stability to the corporation. As HRTC embarks on the journey toward its next phase, the focus remains on modernizing its operations and enhancing the efficiency of public transport services across the state. (ANI)
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