Government buses across Himachal Pradesh are about to come to a standstill. Drivers and conductors of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) have announced a strike beginning Wednesday night over pending payments, and the staff now appear ready for a head-on fight with the administration. At exactly this moment, the government has hit back by laying out a full three-year account of how much money has flowed to employees and pensioners in financial benefits.
The transport department spokesperson said in Shimla that the state government is committed to the welfare of its workforce and has taken several steps in that direction. According to him, pensioners of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation have been given financial benefits worth a total of 239.45 crore rupees between 1 January 2023 and 30 March 2026.
Where the pensioners' money went
Detailing the position as of 31 July 2025, the spokesperson said about 35 crore rupees was released to 350 pensioners. Another 174.45 crore rupees went to 805 pensioners as death and retirement gratuity and leave encashment, while 2.75 crore rupees was spent on clearing medical bills.
Beyond this, 700 pensioners above the age of 75 received 24 crore rupees towards revised pension payments. A further 2.50 crore rupees was paid as pension allowance to 3,800 pensioners, and 0.75 crore rupees was released to 3,500 pensioners for revised pension calculated under the 50 and 30 percent pay-matrix.
Employees received 74.39 crore
The spokesperson said employees were given financial benefits worth 74.39 crore rupees in the same period. This includes 27.74 crore rupees for overtime and night allowance. A sum of 5.50 crore rupees was paid towards 45 percent dearness allowance, on par with state government employees, along with the arrears due.
In addition, 1.77 crore rupees was released to regular employees for medical reimbursement claims, and 39.38 crore rupees was paid as arrears of salary and other benefits.
Regularisation and fresh recruitment
The figures show that 2,198 employees were regularised from contract services during this period. Between 2023 and 2025, a total of 691 appointments were made. Of these, 327 conductors were recruited through the Staff Selection Commission and the rest through the ex-servicemen cell, while 145 were converted from piecemeal status.
ESMA invoked, strike barred for six months
The spokesperson said both former and serving employees are playing a key role in strengthening the corporation. The state government has taken corrective measures in HRTC to ensure salaries and pensions are paid without delay. He added that the present state government is taking decisions with a humane approach for the welfare of every section of society.
On the other side, the reality is that government buses in Himachal will fall silent from tonight. The government, however, has shown its own firmness by invoking ESMA and imposing a six-month ban on the strike.
