Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Nov 19: Chairman of Karnataka Parliamentary Affairs and Legislation Committee and Udupi MLA, K Raghupati Bhat, said that the benefits accrued to the state out of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) have not been up to the desired extent. “MRPL was granted several benefits by the state in terms of concession in land, water, tax rebate etc. But the benefits from the company have not been very satisfactory,” he commented.

Speaking to press persons after visiting MRPL along with  the members of his delegation, he said that his committee has been convinced of the above fact. He pointed out that as against the condition that 80 percent Kannadigas should be employed in a concern to be eligible for certain benefits, this percentage stands at 72 in MRPL. “In ‘A’ category,  locals should have got 65 percent jobs. But, only 42 percent of these jobs have gone to Kannadigas.  In ‘D’ category employees too, rules say that most of them should be drawn from the state. But the company has appointed outsiders.  Moreover, about 3,500 locals have been working for the company on contract basis. They do not enjoy job security. Our committee has objected to these things,” Bhat explained.

He also said that the desirability of issuing suitable guidelines to MRPL on these issues will be decided after presenting the facts in the state assembly and discussing it.

MRPL managing director, U K Basu, deputy general manager, Lakshmi Kumaran, and other officials of MRPL received the committee on its arrival, and participated in discussions held with the committee members, besides furnishing information sought by them.