The Great Houdini Act: RINL Management Eats Humble Pie, Revokes Suspension Orders Against 11 Executives
Within three hours of indianpsu.com report, RINL management seems down on the kneels
Read in your preferred Language :
In a major embarrassment for the RINL management, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited has revoked the suspension orders issued against 11 executives, effectively beating a retreat after its controversial decision triggered resentment within the organisation.
The management, which had initially taken a hard line against the executives, has now withdrawn its own suspension orders. The sudden U-turn raises serious questions about the basis on which the executives were suspended and what prompted the management to reverse its decision.
The suspension of 11 executives had triggered considerable discontent among employees. The management’s decision to revoke the orders has now put it on the backfoot, with its earlier action coming under renewed scrutiny.
The obvious question is: if the suspension orders had sufficient grounds, what prompted the management to withdraw them? And if the decision was not sustainable, who will be held accountable for the action taken against the 11 executives?
The management may have withdrawn the suspension orders, but it cannot simply wish away the questions surrounding its decision.
The Great Houdini Act has ended with the management retreating. The bigger question now is who takes responsibility for this administrative embarrassment.
“Revocation of the suspension orders is welcome, but it cannot erase the manner in which the episode was handled. It leaves an unfortunate chapter in VSP’s HR history and raises questions about the prudence, sensitivity and professional judgement of those responsible,” said Vasa Srinivasa Murthy, Retd. DGM (HR), RINL, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
“Revocation of the suspension orders is a relief, but the midnight serving of suspension notices before officers’ families, including children and elders, was nothing short of humiliation. Such an episode will remain an unfortunate chapter in VSP’s HR history. Discipline must never come at the cost of human dignity. Let this never happen again,” said Katam SS Chandra Rao, Deputy Secretary General, NCOA.
Editor’s Note
Whoever ordered this draconian action must be identified by the Ministry of Steel and held accountable. No matter how powerful or influential the individual may be, the toughest possible action must be taken against the person responsible for this gross injustice.
The issue goes far beyond the withdrawal of suspension orders. The self-esteem and dignity of 11 executives have been attacked. They were subjected to humiliation that extended beyond their workplaces and deeply affected their families and loved ones. No management has the right to treat its employees in such a manner.
This so-called ‘General Dwyer’ of RINL, whoever that individual may be, must face exemplary action. The colonial mindset that treats employees as subjects to be disciplined through fear, intimidation and humiliation has no place in independent India.
Let this be a clear message to everyone occupying positions of authority: India is an independent sovereign Republic, not a colonial outpost. Public sector executives are not subjects of some self-appointed authority. They are citizens of this country, entitled to dignity, respect and justice.
One should remember that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the custodian of our nation’s governance, and the Ministry of Steel must ensure that the dignity of employees working in India’s public sector is protected, while naming the culprit of this game of shame for both executives and RINL.
