Himachal govt invokes ESMA ahead of HRTC strike
The Himachal Pradesh government on Tuesday invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) in the wake of the call by state roadways employees to go on strike from midnight Wednesday.
IANS
Jun 23, 2026 10:39
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Shimla, June 23 (IANS) The Himachal Pradesh government on Tuesday invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) in the wake of the call by state roadways employees to go on strike from midnight Wednesday.
The government said participation in any strike or related activities is prohibited and any violation will invite strict penal action. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) Employees’ Union has announced a strike over their long-pending demands.
In a statement, the government said the HRTC management has remained in continuous dialogue with employee unions and made consistent efforts to resolve their concerns. Despite these efforts, the unions have given a strike call if their demands are not met.
A meeting was convened on Tuesday at the Administrative Department level under the Chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary (Transport). However, union representatives raised the issue of the transfer of one driver and insisted on its immediate withdrawal. They walked out of the meeting without participating in discussions on other demands despite repeated requests.
The government cited a June 13, 2016, Himachal Pradesh High Court order in CWP No. 1511/2016, which held such strikes to be illegal.
To ensure continuity of public transport services and minimise inconvenience to the public, HRTC is taking contingency measures. The corporation has notified a policy for the temporary engagement of drivers on a day-to-day basis at fixed remuneration. A walk-in selection process will be conducted on Wednesday at 12 noon at all Regional Manager offices across the state.
The HRTC management has appealed to union representatives to reconsider their decision and withdraw the proposed strike in the larger public interest. The unions have also been apprised of the legal provisions and judicial pronouncements governing such actions.
The situation is being closely monitored, and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure uninterrupted public transport services, the government added.
--IANS
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