Shimla, March 19 -- The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) Employees Union has announced a symbolic protest during the ongoing Assembly session against the state government's move to hand over several corporation units to private operators under the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) model. In a communication addressed to the HPTDC management, the Union said its members will continue to perform their duties while wearing black badges as a mark of protest during the session. The Union has opposed the proposal to outsource around eight HPTDC units, stating that many of these units are currently generating satisfactory revenue for the corporation. It alleged that the decision contradicts earlier assurances given to employees that only loss-making units would be considered for outsourcing. Opposing privatization, the Union said the move could weaken the corporation and affect employment opportunities for local youth. It urged the government to strengthen the PSU instead of handing over its assets to private players....