TNR News Network
DHARAMSHALA: In a significant development aimed at easing tensions between the government and the electricity board employees, the Himachal Pradesh government has agreed to withdraw the chargesheets issued against union leaders of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board.
The decision was reached during a high-level meeting held between Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and representatives of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board employees and pensioners.
The meeting took place from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm at the Chief Minister’s Office in Shimla where CM Sukhu expressed clear dissatisfaction with the disciplinary action initiated against employee leaders. He directed the Electricity Board management to immediately revoke all chargesheets, terming the move inconsistent with the government’s approach toward democratic rights and employee engagement.
Right to protest will be protected: CM Sukhu
During the meeting, CM Sukhu also objected to the ban on gatherings and demonstrations at workplaces, stating that such restrictions infringe upon the legitimate rights of workers’ organisations. “The government does not intend to curtail the constitutional rights of employee unions,” said Sukhu, reaffirming his administration’s support for democratic dialogue.
The Chief Minister also announced that the government will soon formulate a new recruitment policy for the Electricity Board, focusing particularly on field staff hiring, and added that recruitment would begin soon under the new framework.
Says govt committed to Old Pension Scheme
Reiterating his government’s commitment to employee welfare, CM Sukhu assured that the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) would be implemented for electricity board employees and requested time until October for its full rollout. He further directed the board management to immediately clear all pending leave encashments and gratuity payments of retired employees.
Additionally, the Chief Minister announced the formation of a committee comprising employees and board officials to address various outstanding concerns and policy matters. Union leaders also raised the demand for a permanent policy for outsourced staff, calling for fair employment practices and long-term job security.
The chargesheets had triggered discontent among board employees, who viewed the action as punitive and suppressive of their right to protest.
