Final decision awaited on grievances of Tuli NPPC employees: CM Rio

Morung Express News
Kohima | September 22

Based on available records and recommendation, the Department has submitted its report on the options available to the Government for resolving the issue of the Workers' Union & Pensioners' Union of the NPPC and a final decision on the matter is awaited, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) was informed on September 22. 

Nagaland Chief Minister and Minister in-charge of Industries & Commerce Department, Neiphiu Rio stated this written reply to a question posed by MLA Amenba Yaden concerning the steps taken to address the grievances of the Workers' Union & Pensioners' Union of the NPCC.

He informed that the salaries and pensions of the workers' of the Nagaland Pulp & Paper Company Limited (NPPC) were seen being paid by the Corporation itself till July, 2017 and September 2015 respectively.

The affairs was under the control of the Corporation and the State Government had very little role to play then, he noted. 

However, Rio maintained that after the announcement of liquidation proceedings of the parent body of NPPC parent body - Hindustan Paper Corporation Ltd, the issue of unpaid salaries and pension benefits brought to the attention of the State Government.

Since then several steps have been taken by including the engagement of legal firm “suggests steps for resolving the issue and they have given their recommendations,” he maintained. 

The Advisor, Industries & Commerce Department along with other senior officers also met with the Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries to take up this matter and the latter’s view have been taken on the best way forward, he informed. 

On August 11, 2022, the officers of the Department met with representatives of Civil Societies and Joint Action Committee (Workers Union & Pensioners Union) where the problem was discussed and a time of 3 months to address the issue was agreed upon by all the parties, he added.