Drivers’ union in Mandi warns of action over HRTC directives

The Drivers’ Union of Mandi division held its elections here on Thursday under the chairmanship of the president, Rajender Kumar, with the proceedings concluding unanimously. Prominent attendees included provincial president Man Singh Thakur, chief advisor Deepak Raj Sharma, senior vice-president Karnveer Singh, secretary Krishan Dev, mandal secretary Amar Singh and inspector Rajender Singh Thakur.

Addressing the gathering, president of the state unit of the union, Man Singh Thakur, voiced concern over the continuous issuance of new directives by HRTC management. He said while the night allowance was earlier fixed at 8 km, a new order now proposes it be granted only after 30 km — an instruction he called unjustified. He said HRTC staff work tirelessly, day and night and such directives undermine their efforts. He further pointed out that salaries are often delayed until the 11th or 12th of every month and that substantial amounts including night allowance and additional dues — running into crores — must be released on time.

The union president, Rajender Kumar, raised concerns about the shortage of spare parts in workshops, which has left a large number of vehicles off the road. This, he said, damages the corporation’s reputation and creates difficulties for drivers and conductors. He also highlighted the recent rise in incidents of misbehaviour and assaults on staff, linking the problem issue to the poor condition of vehicles. Many drivers, he said, get repair work done in the interest of passengers and the corporation, yet their bills remain unpaid — an unacceptable practice.

The Drivers’ Union said if the corporation and state government do not address these problems seriously, the union would be forced to take stringent decisions. Union leaders said they have long raised these concerns and urged the administration to act promptly to ensure proper maintenance and roadworthiness of HRTC vehicles.