Altercation on HRTC Bus Sparks Concern Among Defence Veterans.
Shimla:
An incident on April 25 involving an HRTC female bus conductor and Gallantry Awardee Havildar Kameshwar Singh has triggered widespread concern within the defence veteran community. The dispute reportedly arose after the introduction of mandatory digital bus cards by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), which led to confusion regarding travel entitlements for gallantry awardees.
Veterans have held the state-run HRTC responsible, citing a lack of prior coordination with the Ministry of Sainik Welfare and the Directorate of Sainik Welfare, Himachal Pradesh. According to them, inadequate communication before implementing the new system resulted in inconvenience to decorated soldiers, who are entitled to free travel on state buses under government guidelines.
Capt Jagdish Chand (Retd), Chairman United Front of EX-Servicemen (JCOs & OR) H.P stated that “we believe the situation could have been avoided if authorities had ensured timely dissemination of information and facilitated the issuance of updated cards to eligible beneficiaries beforehand.”
The Ex-Services League (ESL), Mandi, has been praised for its swift intervention to address the issue and prevent similar incidents.
Despite the controversy, the conduct of the HRTC bus conductor during the altercation has been noted as restrained and professional. Meanwhile, the Indian Ex-Services League (IESL) is expected to enhance coordination and ensure smoother communication for all ex-servicemen.
