Shimla, March 18 In response to the proposal to outsource eight units of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), its employees announced a symbolic protest on Wednesday during the ongoing Assembly session.
In a communication addressed to the HPTDC management, the union said that its members will continue to perform their duties while wearing black badges to protest the state government's move to hand over several corporation units to private operators under the operation and maintenance (O&M) model.
The union members said that many of these units currently generate satisfactory revenue for the corporation. They alleged that the decision contradicts earlier assurances given to employees that only loss-making units would be considered for outsourcing.
According to the union, a previous proposal suggested handing over 14 units under the O&M model. But after discussions with the government, it was assured that only seven loss-making units would be considered, it said.
However, the latest move reportedly includes profit-making units as well, raising concerns among employees.
Highlighting the financial situation, the union said that despite challenges such as natural disasters, adverse weather and the recent COVID period, HPTDC has recovered and reportedly generated profits exceeding Rs 100 crore recently.
The employees' body further pointed out that the corporation is also clearing liabilities of retired employees according to court directions. However, it claimed that a long-pending request for around Rs 50 crore in financial assistance from the state government has not yet been fulfilled.
Opposing privatisation, the union said the move could weaken the corporation and affect employment opportunities for local youth.