Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, August 5
Himachal Pradesh electricity board staff and pensioners are set to stage a mass protest in Shimla on August 7, demanding restoration of the old pension scheme, release of pending dues, and action against alleged corruption. The demonstration will take place outside Kumar House, the headquarters of the state’s electricity board, as current and retired employees unite over what they describe as long-ignored grievances. Devendra Sharma, Joint Secretary of the Electricity Board Pensioners Association, questioned why staff payments were being withheld despite claims that the board posted a ₹314 crore profit. He also accused senior officials of attempting to privatise the board.
“Corruption at higher levels is hurting the institution, and the legitimate dues of both employees and pensioners are being deliberately blocked,” he said. Once employing over 43,000 workers, the board’s workforce has now fallen to around 13,000. Protesters are also demanding reinstatement of charge-sheeted employees and outsourced workers, along with revival of abolished posts. He warned that any attempt by the government to suppress the protest would only escalate the movement. The demonstration reflects broader tensions in the state over pension reforms and transparency in governance.
