I am writing this to express my concern about the plight of over 3,000
employees of Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) who have not received their
salaries for the last 20 months. HEC is one of India's oldest and ablest Public Sector
Units which has played a crucial role in India's space program with years of critical
service to the nation, including manufacturing the launch pad for the much
celebrated Chandrayaan-III.
Despite their contributions, the employees of HEC are now struggling to make
ends meet. Many of them have been forced to take on part-time jobs as autorickshaw
drivers, street vendors, and daily wage labourers to support their families. Some have
had to draw their provident fund and take on loans to get by. The delay in salary
payment is due to a number of factors, including the absence of a full-time
chairman-cum-managing director. However, workers who have made invaluable
contribution to the country are suffering for no fault of their own should not be
acceptable. These employees have worked hard to build India's space program and
other important industrial infrastructure. It is a disgrace that they are now being
forced to live in penury and uncertainty.
In this context, I urge you to intervene immediately and take steps to ensure
that HEC employees are paid their salaries in full and on time. The government must
also provide a financial package to help them tide over this difficult period and also
take steps to ensure that the HEC is revived. It is important to remember that these
employees are the backbone of India's industrial sector and play a crucial role in the
country's development.
Comments