Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board Union Denounces Assault on Staff and Calls for Reforms

The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Technical Employees Union has condemned a recent assault on its staff in Paonta Sahib, calling for immediate reforms. Union leaders emphasize the need for increased recruitment to alleviate pressure on existing employees and address material shortages affecting operations. They also highlight the urgent need for promotion opportunities, particularly in underserved areas like Kilad. The union is advocating for structural changes to ensure the safety and career advancement of technical staff, who play a crucial role in the state's power infrastructure.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 1, 2025, 16:44 IST

Union Condemns Assault on Technical Staff

Subhash Mahajan
Dalhousie: The Technical Employees Union of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board has expressed strong disapproval regarding a recent incident involving the mistreatment and physical attack on technical personnel in Paonta Sahib. In a joint statement released, union state secretary Baljit Singh and executive member Kuldeep Raj demanded prompt action from the board’s management to safeguard its technical staff and avert future occurrences of such incidents.

Increasing Pressure on Field Staff Amid Recruitment Needs

Baljit Singh pointed out that the workforce of technical and field employees is diminishing even as the consumer base expands, resulting in heightened pressure on the remaining staff. He urged both the state government and board management to launch new recruitment initiatives for field and technical positions. Singh also reiterated longstanding requests, including the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme for electricity board employees, a definitive policy for outsourced workers, and support for employees impacted by recent recruitment and promotion rule changes.

Material Shortages and Promotion Delays in Chamba and Kangra

Executive member Kuldeep Raj brought attention to the critical shortage of materials essential for daily operations, which is affecting efficiency and adding to the burden on workers. He noted that these shortages are particularly severe in the Kangra zone, where delays in departmental promotion committees are hindering employees' career advancement.

Raj specifically mentioned the challenges faced by technical staff in the remote Pangi valley of Chamba district. The 2017 batch of T-Mates assigned to the Kilad division has not yet received their first promotion, while their peers in other divisions are now eligible for advancement to the Lineman position. He stated, “The primary concern is the disproportionate promotion ratio in the Kilad division. Out of 47 T-Mates in the area, only 10 positions are sanctioned for Assistant Linemen and 11 for Linemen.”

Union Advocates for Structural Changes

The union representatives have called for an increase in the number of sanctioned positions for Assistant Linemen and Linemen in under-resourced divisions like Kilad. They emphasized that this is essential for ensuring timely departmental promotion committees and promotional opportunities for long-serving employees.

In conclusion, they urged the Electricity Board management to prioritize the safety, welfare, and career development of technical employees, who are vital to the power infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, particularly those working in remote and challenging environments.