From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Jan 13: With the dues of Rs 361 crore of retired and present employees remaining to be cleared, the past and present employees met Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister H D Kumaraswamy demanding immediate steps to clear the pending amounts.
After listening to the employees, who called on him in Bengaluru on Monday, Minister Kumaraswamy assured them that their issues were already under consideration.
“We will explore solutions to clear the Rs 361 crore pending dues owed to employees. I will discuss this matter with senior officials in the ministry and ensure it is addressed,” he said.
The minister said the government has taken up the revival of HMT as one challenge.
“Ensuring the settlement of dues for both retired and current employees will be resolved,” he said as the employees demanded steps to ensure that unpaid salaries, gratuity, provident fund, and other pending benefits are settled.
“We are meeting a Union Minister for Heavy Industries for the first time unpaid salaries, gratuity, provident fund, and other pending benefits. We are meeting a Union Minister for Heavy Industries for the first time
Employees from various HMT units nationwide, both retired and active, attended the meeting and expressed their gratitude to the minister for taking the time to listen to their grievances. Retired employees voiced their struggles, saying, “It has been several years since our retirement, yet the benefits owed to us remain unpaid. While some have pursued legal battles, many others cannot afford to do so. We request you to address these issues on priority.”
The employees expressed that they were unable to afford basic medical expenses. The company owes us Rs 30 to 40 lakh each in terminal benefits, which we have been fighting for over the past five to six years. We urge you to ensure this payment is made, they said.
Additionally, they requested the minister to prevent the closure of HMT. “If closure becomes unavoidable, HMT should be merged with companies like BHEL, BEL, or BEML, and alternative employment opportunities should be provided for its employees.