Odisha: Tata Power assures no retrenchment of employees
Only 374 of 15,300 contractual workers to be redeployed; November 15 deadline for protesters to resume duty
By Niharika Mohanty
Bhubaneswar, Nov. 11: Tata Power, which operates four electricity distribution companies (discoms) in Odisha, has assured that none of its 15,300 contractual employees engaged through Business Associates (BAs) will lose their jobs, amid protests by workers apprehending retrenchment.
Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Gajanan S. Kale, CEO of TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) and Chief of Odisha Distribution Business, said only 374 employees had been identified for redeployment as part of a routine administrative exercise. Nearly 200 of them have already joined their new duty locations.
“There has been no retrenchment, and no employee will be retrenched,” Kale said, dismissing rumours of large-scale job cuts.
The management said the redeployment was being carried out through Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) vendors in accordance with applicable government guidelines and regulatory provisions.
Urging the protesting workers to withdraw their agitation and resume duties, TPCODL said it had already issued three notices asking them to return to work. November 15 has been set as the final deadline. If they fail to report by then, the company’s Business Associates will have to make alternative arrangements to ensure uninterrupted electricity services.
The management also appealed to Business Associates to counsel the protesting workers and facilitate their return.
Highlighting employment growth, officials said Tata Power’s contractual workforce in Odisha had increased from around 6,000 in 2020 to over 15,300 currently. The combined workforce across the state’s four discoms has also grown to more than 55,000.
The company reiterated its commitment to maintaining reliable power supply and ensuring uninterrupted services to nearly one crore consumers across Odisha.
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Photograph: Gajanan S. Kale, CEO of TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) addresses a press conference in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
