NCOA Convenes National General Council In Manali, Advocates For Steel Sector And PSU Reforms

The National Confederation of Officers Association (NCOA) recently held its National General Council meeting in the scenic town of Manali. The gathering saw significant participation from various officers’ associations representing public sector undertakings (PSUs) across the country. Notably, the President and Secretary of the Visakhapatnam Steel Executives Association, Katam SS Chandra Rao and KVD Prasad, actively attended the deliberations.

The central focus of the meeting revolved around the critical challenges confronting PSUs and the pivotal role these enterprises play in India’s economic development. After extensive discussions, the council adopted several key resolutions aimed at addressing the concerns of officers working in government undertakings and bolstering the public sector.

A significant resolution called for a re-evaluation of the strategic and non-strategic classification of PSUs, a categorization approved by the Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in 2021. The NCOA strongly advocated for placing the steel sector under the “strategic” category, emphasizing its indispensable contribution to national progress.

Further underscoring their commitment to a robust public sector steel industry, the council resolved to push for the merger of major steel production giants under the umbrella of the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). This proposed consolidation would include Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) – encompassing Visakha Steel and its subsidiaries – NMDC Nagarnar Steel Plant, design consultancy MECON, and mining company KIOCL. The NCOA believes that bringing these entities together will enhance efficiency and synergy within the sector.

In a move aimed at improving employee welfare, the NCOA resolved to demand an increase in the gratuity limit for PSU employees to ₹25 lakhs, aligning it with the enhanced limit already applicable to central government employees.

Recognizing the importance of effective leadership, the council unanimously resolved to urge the government to expeditiously fill all vacant positions of chairmen and directors across all public sector enterprises.

Addressing specific concerns at Visakhapatnam Steel, the NCOA resolved that promotions for officers who have been under suspension for the past five years be immediately implemented based on seniority, effective from January 2020. Additionally, the council called for new appointments to fill the vacancies arising from retirements at RINL.

The meeting also addressed the crucial issue of pension benefits. A resolution was passed to increase the minimum pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS 95) to ₹9000. Furthermore, the NCOA resolved to advocate for extending the Supreme Court’s verdict on full-pay pension for central government sector employees to all eligible PSU employees.

The resolutions were formally introduced by National Confederation of Officers Association President Adasul, Secretary General Anil Kumar, Chairman Governing Council Tomar, and Working President Narendra Kumar Banchor. Following thorough deliberation, the resolutions put forth by the members were approved. The NCOA leadership has affirmed its commitment to promptly submit these resolutions to the relevant departments of the central government for consideration and action.

This National General Council meeting highlights the NCOA’s proactive stance in addressing critical issues affecting public sector undertakings and their officers, particularly emphasizing the strategic importance of the steel sector and the need for comprehensive reforms in PSU management and employee welfare.