CM cautions trade unions resorting to violence in HEP's

Shmla, November 18, 2016: Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh has cautioned few trade unions, particularly those, who for their political mileage try to create ruckus and resort to violence by misguiding labour working in the hydel projects which not only delay timely commissioning of hydro projects but also enhances cost of the project. He stated this while addressing the 25th General Conference of the Himachal Power Engineer Association (HPEA) here today.
He said that the legitimate demands of the labourers must be met, they should be given their dues they are entitled for and as and when payable, but the undesirable means of violence for political survival and recognition by Trade Unions would not be tolerated.
It has been observed many a times, the working class is not annoyed with the functioning of the board or certain department or corporation but the labourers has grudge with the contractors who delays in giving their dues well in time and forced to adopt undesirable methods of halting the work, said the Chief Minister. He said the contractors should be fair and compassionate towards their workers and should give them their entitlements instead of letting them wait for long or give them an opportunity to raise their voice against the management and hindering work. The Board should also ensure that all the legitimate demands of the labourers working in hydro projects be conceded well in time by questioning the contractors if they fail to give incentives due to the labourers.
It has been observed occasionally that for taking political mileage and for their very existence, few trade unions, particularly in the tribal and far flung regions of the State try to induce the workers to resort to agitation, this won’t be tolerated at all, said Shri Virbhadra Singh. He said that government intends to take strict action against such scrupulous elements on the spot where they agitate and their masterminds sitting elsewhere and provoking them.
The hydro projects in Kinnaur, Chamba and other far flung areas face lot of problem due to such people, he said urging trade unions to solve the genuine issues if any on the negotiation table instead of creating problems for themselves and the local people. Any such type of intolerance, or violence would be given befitting reply. The Chief Minister said that he had always been in favour of the working class. They come from far and wide for earning and should be given the legitimate share.
The Chief Minster said that since the tribal belt of Kinnaur has an international border along with it, we have decided to open a check post at Wangtoo in Kinnaur district for issuing inner line permits to keep vigil on subversive elements in the larger interest of the Country as well as the State.
He also expressed concern over undue delay in commissioning of run of the river, Sawara-Kuddu (111 MW), Kashang Hydel Project 195 MW (three Units of 65 MW) and Sainj (100 MW) projects. He said that unnecessary delay in commissioning escalates the cost and directed to get completed the under-construction hydel projects well within time.
The Chief Minister lauded the efforts of the HP Power Engineers Association and said that the association was doing a commendable job to make the power utilities in the State to be best in the Country by the adoption of latest state of art technology in power systems. It is because of the hard work of the Engineers that today Himachal Pradesh has achieved hundred percent electrification. It is not an easy task to lay electric cables and erect poles in difficult areas but the Engineers of Electricity Board and Power Corporation and transmission has achieved the rare feat by providing electric supply to every household of the State.
He also urged for providing un-interrupted and reliable power supply by strengthening the infrastructure.
President HPEA Er. S.N. Upreti placed forth several demands of the Association. He urged for grant of Grade Pay to Assistant Engineers (AEs) and Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs) and for adopting the Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojna for HPSEB Ltd.
The Chief Minister said that the matter regarding Grade Pay of Rs. 6850/- to AEs and AEEs was to be placed by the Service Committee constituted in this regard and assured that the Government would take appropriate decision after receiving the recommendation of the Committee. He also assured to give a thought for adopting UDAY Scheme though after entering into MoU.
The Chief Minister also released a souvenir and telephone directory of HPEA. He also honoured the dignitaries on the occasion.
State Youth Congress President Shri Vikramditaya Singh, Chairman Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regularity Commission Shri SKBS Negi, Managing Director HPSEBL Shri P.C. Negi, Managing Director HP Transmission Corporation Ltd. Shri J.P. Kalta, Managing Director HP Power Corporation Ltd. Shri D.K. Sharma were also present on the occasion amongst the representative from All India Power Engineers Corporation and Engineers from all over the State.