HPPSC delegation meets Himachal CM Sukhu; demands consideration and concessional travel restored

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 26 (ANI): A delegation of Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) officers, led by SP Sandeep Bhardwaj, met with Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today to present their demands.

The delegation expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for restoring the concessional travel facility in Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses.

The Chief Minister assured the delegation that their genuine demands would be considered sympathetically, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to the well-being of police personnel. He highlighted that the state government has increased the diet money for police personnel from Rs. 210 to Rs. 1000, a fivefold increase and the highest in the state’s history.

He commended the police force, emphasising their essential role as frontline defenders of law and order. The Chief Minister noted that the police are crucial for maintaining a stable and peaceful society, as they ensure community safety and uphold justice.

He added that police officers and officials play vital roles in various aspects of public service. Beyond their primary responsibilities, they serve as first responders in crises, including natural disasters, where they provide crucial support. Additionally, he mentioned that police personnel are responsible for managing traffic, enforcing traffic laws, and responding to accidents, all of which contribute to public safety.

Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, CPS Ashish Butail, and MLAs Suresh Kumar and Ranjeet Singh Rana were also present on the occasion.

Earlier on Saturday, August 24, delegations from various Himachal Pradesh Non-Gazetted Employees and Teachers Associations met with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to discuss their demands.

The Chief Minister stated that all officers and officials of the state government are considered family members, and the government will consider all their genuine demands sympathetically.

Regarding the release of Dearness Allowance (DA) and arrears, Sukhu assured them that the financial position of the state would be reviewed within one month, with a follow-up meeting with employee associations scheduled for the end of September 2024. He mentioned that the state government intends to release DA and other benefits, and with the improvement in the state’s financial position, all the benefits would be provided.

He further stated that directions have been issued to all profit-making boards and corporations to release dearness allowance and arrears to ensure financial benefits for their employees. He also urged state government employees to work in tandem with the government to safeguard the interests of the people of the state.

The Chief Minister concluded by saying that the present state government is committed to spending public money for the welfare of the people and is making earnest efforts to enhance the state’s revenue resources.