Himachal Pradesh Police Personnel Granted Exemption from HIMBUS Card Requirement for HRTC Bus Travel
In a significant move aimed at streamlining official travel procedures, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Friday that police personnel in the state will no longer be required to carry the mandatory HIMBUS card while travelling on Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses. This decision is expected to ease the logistical challenges faced by law enforcement officers and reduce both financial and administrative burdens on the police force.
Rationale Behind the Decision: Existing Contributions and Identification Mechanisms
Chief Minister Sukhu clarified that police personnel, ranging from constables to inspectors, already contribute a fixed monthly amount towards concessional travel on HRTC buses. This amount is systematically deducted from their salaries, establishing a pre-existing arrangement for subsidised travel. Given this ongoing financial commitment, the additional payment and procedural formalities associated with the digital HIMBUS card were deemed unnecessary and redundant.
Emphasising the nature of police work, Sukhu highlighted that personnel are frequently required to travel across the state for various official duties. These include investigations, law enforcement operations, and other critical assignments that demand mobility and prompt responses. Since police officers already possess valid departmental identity cards and manual travel passes, these documents will continue to be accepted as proof for availing travel concessions on HRTC buses.
Background on HIMBUS Card and Its Objectives
The HIMBUS card was initially introduced as a digital initiative to modernise subsidy management and curb potential misuse of travel concessions. However, Sukhu noted that the police department's existing contribution system and robust identification mechanisms are sufficient to ensure transparency and accountability in travel-related benefits. This move reflects a pragmatic approach to governance, prioritising efficiency and reducing bureaucratic hurdles for those in essential services.
By eliminating the HIMBUS card requirement, the Himachal Pradesh government aims to foster a more supportive environment for police personnel, enabling them to focus on their core responsibilities without unnecessary administrative distractions. This policy change is part of broader efforts to enhance operational effectiveness and morale within the state's law enforcement agencies.
