HPTDC employees union demands revival of crucial state grants in view of ongoing financial struggles

The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation’s (HPTDC) employees’ union strongly objected to the company’s answer before the Himachal Pradesh High Court about its income, occupancy, and financial standing. The union is urging the resuscitation of an essential state grant in view of the continuous financial difficulties.

The union leaders pledged to personally deliver the “real facts” to the courts, claiming that the authorities had provided false information to the court. The union further claims that the HPTDC Chairman need to be fired since he misled the employee and the court, and the order was issued because they failed to disclose the facts. The chairman’s dismissal is being demanded by the staff leaders.

The shutdown of nine hotels under the HPTDC, including important establishments like Chail Palace, Log Hut, and Nagar Castle, will have serious repercussions for both workers and the travel and tourist sector, Hukum Ram, the leader of the Employees Union, said.

“We have a straightforward request: because these nine hotels are operating correctly, the government must produce an affidavit and rule in their favor. The employees who have devoted their life to this industry would find it very difficult if these hotels are closed. The court’s ruling need to take into account the fact that these workers are entitled to their rights,” Ram said.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court had previously selected 18 HPTDC hotels that will close after November 25. On Friday, it shortlisted nine of the 18 hotels and ordered the closure of nine of them. The court also gave the hotels more than four months to prepare a plan for the closure and provide an update by March 31, 2025.

About 300 employees who are registered to vote are employed by the impacted hotels, and the employee union claims that the closure will not only jeopardize their livelihoods but also upend the larger tourist economy, affecting nearby companies like taxi drivers and tour operators.

“Despite the many management flaws, these hotels continue to operate. We would not be in this predicament now if the workers had been properly handled sooner. The HPTDC Employees Union’s General Secretary, Rajkumar Sharma, expressed regret that these important assets, which boost the state’s tourist industry, are in danger of closing.

The delayed payment of dues to present and retiring employees was another issue brought up by the employee’s union. Many workers still haven’t received their arrears, including the much awaited Sixth Pay Commission payments. Additionally, medical costs go unmet for many months, which makes the workforce’s financial struggles much worse.

“The company is owed money by the state government for meals provided at official events, although these payments are sometimes months behind schedule. Ram said that one of the main causes of the present problem is the absence of prompt financial assistance.

The HPTDC used to get funds from the state government in the past, which assisted the company in running its business. “The firm used to get a Grant-in-Aid, but this hasn’t happened recently. Like the funds provided to other state organizations, such as the State Transport Corporation, we urge the government to resume this assistance,” Sharma said.

The union also emphasized how crucial the tourist industry is to the overall health of the Himachal Pradesh economy. The state is well known for its tourism, drawing tourists from all across India and the globe. The union emphasized that the HPTDC is crucial to preserving the state’s reputation as a top travel destination since it oversees a number of government-run canteens, Himachal Bhawan, Sadan, State Guest House, and other crucial services.

The Employees Union has asked the state government for a one-time payment of around Rs 50 crore in order to alleviate the financial difficulties. They contend that this assistance is essential to enhancing the corporation’s financial standing and guaranteeing the tourist sector in Himachal Pradesh continues to prosper. “Himachal Pradesh’s reputation would be damaged globally if the tourist industry struggles. We must have the services and infrastructure to accommodate the tourists who come here to take in the state’s natural beauty,” Ram remarked.

The union has also emphasized how urgent their demands are in view of the company’s increasing financial difficulties. Employees are urging the state government to act quickly to prevent the issue from becoming worse, since they are facing difficulties with past-due payments and the possibility of hotel closures.

Union representatives said they have made many efforts to meet with the state’s leadership but have been unsuccessful. “The President is never accessible in Shimla, despite our repeated attempts to meet with him. He often travels outside the state for business, and this lack of involvement is one of the main causes of the situation’s continued stagnation,” Ram said.

As things stand, the HPTDC Employees Union is adamant in its position and urges the state government to put the company’s financial health and the welfare of its hardworking staff first.