No. 878/2025-PUB 30th July 2025
The long-standing strike by the HRTC Drivers’ Union over various demands came to an end late Tuesday evening after a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri. The meeting, held at Shri Agnihotri’s residence and led to a consensus on the union's key demands.
During the meeting, the union representatives elaborated on their long-pending demands and urged the government for their early resolution. Considering the seriousness of the issue the Deputy Chief Minister took prompt decisions, which helped create an atmosphere of trust and satisfaction among the employees.
Among the major decisions taken by the government was the approval to designate 205 senior-most drivers of HRTC as “Designated Senior Drivers” (without any financial benefit). Additionally, it was decided that the long-pending medical reimbursement claims from the past six months would be released shortly. The staff would also be provided with two uniform sets. Moreover, of the two pending installments of night overtime allowance, one would be disbursed with the July salary and the second with the August salary.
In a significant decision benefiting pensioners, the government has approved a loan of Rs.150 crore to HRTC. This loan would be obtained from a government bank with a guarantee from the state government and the interest on the loan would be paid by the Himachal Government. This proposal would come into effect following approval from the State Cabinet.
Mukesh Agnihotri said that the state government was sensitive to the concerns of employees and pensioners and committed to protecting their legitimate interests. He assured that employee issues would continue to be resolved in a timely manner in the future as well.
Managing Director HRTC Dr. Nipun Jindal, other officials and the president of the HRTC Driver's Union Man Singh Thakur along with other union members were present in the meeting.
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