Govt Invokes ESMA to Halt HRTC Strike, Ensures Bus Services Continue
In a decisive step to prevent disruption of public transport, the Himachal Pradesh government has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), effectively prohibiting any strike by Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) employees for the next six months.
The move comes just ahead of the employees’ proposed strike on June 25. With this order, the government has declared HRTC services as “essential,” emphasizing that any halt in bus operations could severely affect daily life—impacting commuters, school-going students, patients, and even the supply of essential goods across the state.
According to the notification issued by the Transport Department, employees are now barred from organizing, participating in, or encouraging any kind of strike activity. The government has made it clear that violations will invite strict legal and departmental action, which could include suspension, salary cuts, and other penalties.
To ensure the order is implemented effectively, the HRTC Managing Director has been directed to enforce the notification strictly. At the same time, Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police across the state have been asked to extend full support in maintaining services and law and order.
This development comes amid ongoing tensions between the HRTC management and employee unions, particularly the drivers’ and conductors’ unions, who have been demanding the release of pending dues and resolution of other issues. The Transport Department maintains that talks have been ongoing, and efforts are being made to address the concerns raised by employees.
A meeting chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) was held recently to find a way forward. However, officials claimed that the discussion did not progress as expected, with union representatives reportedly focusing on the transfer of a driver and eventually walking out of the meeting without addressing the broader demands listed in their strike notice.
With the situation escalating, the government says invoking ESMA was necessary to avoid inconvenience to the public. It also pointed out that the Himachal Pradesh High Court, in a past ruling from June 13, 2016, had already declared such strikes illegal.
Meanwhile, HRTC has begun putting contingency plans in place to keep bus services running smoothly. The corporation has announced a policy to temporarily hire drivers on a day-to-day basis at fixed pay. Walk-in selections are scheduled for June 24 across all Regional Manager offices, where eligible candidates—with a valid heavy vehicle driving licence, at least three years of experience, and matriculation qualification—can apply.
Around 656 drivers are expected to be engaged across 31 depots and operational units. In addition, the corporation is coordinating with the Himachal Home Guards to deploy extra manpower and ensure uninterrupted services. Authorities have also requested law enforcement agencies to stay alert and maintain public order during this period.
Even as these measures are being rolled out, the HRTC management has appealed to employee unions to reconsider their decision and withdraw the proposed strike, keeping public inconvenience in mind. Officials say the situation is being closely monitored and all necessary steps are being taken to avoid disruption.
The Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) is a legal provision used by governments to prevent strikes in sectors that are crucial to everyday life, such as transport, healthcare, electricity, and water supply. While employees can continue to voice their concerns through discussions and lawful channels, strikes and work stoppages are not allowed while ESMA is in force.
For now, the government’s focus remains on keeping Himachal moving—ensuring that buses stay on the road, even as negotiations with employees continue in the background.
