Port Blair, Nov 08: The PCC President, Mr Kuldeep Rai Sharma appraised the Lt Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands about the pathetic condition of the employees of Forest Corporation Ltd who for no fault are suffering since October, 2001.
Mr Sharma alongwith a delegation of employees of Forest Corporation Ltd met the Lt Governor on 6th November, 2012 and informed him that though the AN Administration has requested for revival of ANIFPDCL in a restructured form and size with a modified mandate and as a body owned by the Administration to come into effect from 1st April, 2012 and the concerned Ministry had agreed in principle to the proposal for transfer of ownership of ANIFPDCL to AN Administration yet the Cabinet proposal, which is complete with all required information is waiting for a final approval.
Further to it the delegation also informed that the loan extended by the Ministry of Environment and Forest first in 2004, has been stagnant to Rs. 11.00 crores per annum. But since salaries and wages have increased due to accrual of DA. ANIFPDCL does not have enough money to meet salary/wage expenses, coming to about Rs. 21 crores.
Though some revenue is being earned but now the bill is larger than before and hence the Management of the Corporation has requested for enhancement of the loan amount from Rs. 11 crores to Rs. 17 crores.
Further Mr Haja Moideen, Assistant Engineer from officers’ side, Mrs Lally baby, General Secretary, VVEA from employees side and Mr Shaukat, IW from workers side of the Corporation have also placed the same request before the Administrator. They have also stated that from next month there remains no fund to release their salary and wages and that too during the festive season.
The Lt Governor gave patience hearing and has assured to look into the matter at an early date.
