Himachal Pradesh Celebrates 50 Years of HRTC
Golden Jubilee Event in Shimla
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu led the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) in Shimla. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri attended as a special guest.
Key Announcements
The Chief Minister praised HRTC’s contribution to the state’s development and announced that salaries and pensions would be paid by the 28th of this month. The government will allocate Rs. 50 crore to cover 55 months of overtime dues by March 2025 and settle Rs. 9 crore in pending medical bills within two months.
Plans were revealed to transform HRTC into a “Green HRTC” by March 2026, with all official vehicles replaced by electric ones by March 2025. The government aims to strengthen HRTC financially and improve its infrastructure.
Achievements and Future Plans
About 7,300 employees benefit from the OPS, 1,546 contract employees have been regularized, and 608 new jobs created. The fleet has been expanded with new buses, including electric ones, and a budget of Rs. 327 crore is set for further purchases.
HRTC is integrating digital technology, offering cashless payments, making Himachal the first state to do so in transport. A Coffee Table Book was released, and employees were honored for their service.
Deputy Chief Minister’s Remarks
Deputy Chief Minister Agnihotri highlighted the dedication of HRTC employees and the corporation’s role as a lifeline in the hilly terrain. He emphasized the importance of public service over commercial gain.
Event Highlights
The event featured speeches, a short play, a documentary, and cultural performances celebrating HRTC’s 50-year journey. Various dignitaries, including MLA Harish Janartha and Mayor Surinder Chauhan, attended the celebration.
Doubts Revealed
Himachal Pradesh -: Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India, known for its beautiful mountains and scenic landscapes. It is a popular tourist destination.
HRTC -: HRTC stands for Himachal Road Transport Corporation. It is a government-run organization that provides bus services to people in Himachal Pradesh.
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state, similar to a principal in a school but for the whole state. Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the current Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.
Electric vehicles -: Electric vehicles are cars or buses that run on electricity instead of petrol or diesel. They are better for the environment because they don’t produce pollution.
Green HRTC -: Green HRTC refers to the plan of making the Himachal Road Transport Corporation more environmentally friendly by using electric vehicles.
Deputy Chief Minister -: The Deputy Chief Minister is the second-in-command in the state government, helping the Chief Minister in running the state. Mukesh Agnihotri is the Deputy Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.