TNR News Networks
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB) is facing strong opposition from its employees after the board management issued orders to abolish 706 posts across various categories.
In response, employees have decided to launch a protest by wearing black badges while continuing their work from Monday (February 10, 2025) onwards.
Engineers, technical staff and other employees working at the board’s headquarters in Shimla, as well as across divisional and sub-divisional offices, will participate in the demonstration.
Work-to-rule begins as protest intensifies
Along with wearing black badges, the employees have also implemented a “Work-to-Rule” approach starting Monday.
This means that engineers and staff will strictly adhere to an eight-hour work schedule and will only perform their designated duties during official working hours.
Any additional work beyond this time frame will not be entertained. As a result, residents may face disruptions in electricity supply and other essential services.
Protest to continue until decision is reversed
Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board Employees’ Joint Front co-convener Heera Lal Verma stated, “Employees are strongly opposing the government’s decision and this protest will continue until the order is withdrawn. No government has taken such drastic steps before. From today onwards, engineers and employees will wear black badges in protest against this anti-worker decision.”
Severe staff shortage already impacting workload
The HPSEB has been struggling with staff shortages for a long time, and employees are already overburdened.
The abolition of 706 posts has further escalated frustration among workers, leading to widespread resentment against the government.
Major protest meeting in Hamirpur on February 11
To press their demands, the employees’ joint front has scheduled a major protest meeting in Hamirpur on February 11, where seven key demands will be put forward.
Following this, similar district-level meetings will be organized across the state, with further announcements expected from Hamirpur.
Heera Lal Verma also warned, “If the government does not roll back its decision, all electricity employees and engineers across Himachal Pradesh will be forced to take mass casual leave on February 24.”
