Power sector staffers pledge to fight graft

The Joint Action Committee of HPSEBL employees, engineers and pensioners observed anti-corruption day at the board headquarters in Shimla on the birth anniversary of late Vimal Negi. The employees took a pledge to fight corruption and decided to observe April 24 as anti-corruption day every year. Negi, a chief engineer with Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), was found dead a while back, and inquiry is going on into the reasons behind his death.

JAC office-bearers claimed that Negi was facing a problem of organised corruption, a hostile working environment, and extreme workplace harassment. They demanded that the accused in the FIR related to Negi’s death be dismissed under Article 311 of the Indian Constitution, and also the criminal proceedings be initiated against them. The office-bearers further emphasised that corruption was a grave issue that not only hampers the development of society but also weakens the economy and moral values. “It causes financial loss, damages employee morale and reputation, and tarnishes the image of the department in the eyes of the public,” they said.

They stressed that it was now crucial to raise voice against the growing corruption in workplaces, or else many employees may face the tragic fate of Negi.

Employees, engineers and pensioners from the electricity board, power corporation and transmission corporation took a pledge to join the fight against corruption by ensuring transparency and honesty in their official work, which is the most effective way to prevent corruption.