NHPC workers in Sikkim join all-India general strike

MANGAN, 28 Feb: Around 500 workers engaged with National Hydro-Electric Power Corporation (NHPC) Teesta Stage V HE Project joined the one-day nationwide strike for their 18-point demand here at Power house site at Balutar in East Sikkim. The workers comprised of non-executive category which falls under W-0 to W-10 grade and the contract workers engaged with the said corporation at Dam site at Dikchu and Power house complex at Balutar abandoned work today in support of the cause. The workers engaged with Teesta Stage IV office at Pheedang Lower Dzongu North Sikkim also joined the strike.
The strike here was led by the NHPC Non-executive and Worker Association Teesta V and NHPC Employees Association. Even the vehicles tagged with the corporation were not allowed to ply today, however the executive employees were on duty. The workers assembled at Teesta Stage IV office at Pheedang and Dam site Gate at Aamdara at Dikchu where the 18-point demands were read out by President NHPC Employees Association, RBP Singh.
At the power house complex office, the strike was addressed by President NHPC Non-Executive Workers Association, Bijay Sharma where he highlighted about the issue of the 18-point demand which includes No contractorisation of work of permanent/perennial nature and payment of wages and benefits to contract worker at the same rate as available to the regular workers of the establishment, generation and protection of employment.
Mr. Sharma also informed about the removal of all ceilings on payment and eligibility of bonus, provident fund and increase in the quantum of Gratuity, assured pension for all, review in the rates of subscription of NHPC Employees Social Security Scheme 2006 as amount of assured sum be enhanced to Rs. 20 lakh, releasing of lump-sum payment in lieu of compassionate appointment in respect of left out cases etc.
The demand including the amendment of minimum wages Act to ensure universal coverage irrespective of schedules and fixation of statutory minimum wages at not less than Rs. 10,000 per month and the injustice to the permanent employees in lieu of PRP (Performance Reporting Pay) which entitles only those workers to pay who are of officer’s rank was also addressed.