Chronic staff shortage hampers power supply in Shillai subdivision

In today’s world, electricity is indispensable, serving as the backbone of daily life and modern infrastructure. However, ensuring a steady power supply in remote and hilly regions like Himachal Pradesh is a formidable challenge. Compounding this issue is the chronic staff shortage in the state’s Electricity Department, which has left various regions grappling with inefficiencies and disruptions.

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One glaring example of this is the Shillai Electrical Subdivision in Sirmaur district. The subdivision has been operating without an Assistant Engineer since 2022, severely impacting its operational efficiency. Furthermore, there is only one Junior Engineer (JE) overseeing the three sections under Shillai Subdivision, which include Shillai, Dharwa and Timbi. Additionally, the subdivision currently has only three JOA-IT staff, leaving two sanctioned positions vacant, alongside several unfilled JOA-IT roles.

In the field, where technical staff play a critical role in restoring and maintaining power supply, the workforce is significantly understaffed. For instance, the Shillai section operates with only eight technical employees, while 15 positions have been sanctioned. Similarly, Dharwa section has only six staff members, and the Timbi section operates with just four, despite having 10 sanctioned posts.

The repercussions of these staff shortages are manifold. Residents in the area frequently face power supply issues due to delayed maintenance and repair work. Local officials report that the problem has persisted for years, with no significant efforts to address the vacancies.

The challenges extend beyond operational inefficiencies. Field staff, often overburdened with additional responsibilities, face significant risks while working under high-pressure situations to ensure uninterrupted power supply. This has, unfortunately, led to fatal accidents, with workers losing their lives in the line of duty. The lack of adequate manpower not only increases the workload on the existing staff but also heightens the chances of mishaps due to fatigue and stress.

The persistent staff shortage in Shillai subdivision highlights the urgent need for the state government and the electricity department to address the issue comprehensively. Filling the vacant positions for engineers, technicians and support staff is essential to improve service delivery and ensure the safety of employees.

Local residents and public representatives have repeatedly raised the issue, emphasising the necessity of deploying adequate personnel to meet the growing demand for power in the region. Addressing these staff shortages would not only alleviate the burden on the current workforce but also enhance the efficiency and reliability of power supply in the remote areas of Himachal Pradesh.

As the state progresses toward modernisation and infrastructure development, ensuring a robust and well-staffed electricity department must remain a priority. The people of Shillai and similar underserved regions deserve reliable power supply and the assurance that their concerns are being heard and acted upon.