Guwahati News Desk: The Chief Minister of Assam Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday informed that the state government will be taking the initiative of resolving the pending salaries issue of the Hindustan Paper Corporation Limited (HPCL) employees.
The decision was taken during a meeting at the CM’s office in Guwahati which lasted for over four hours.
Regarding the development, a tweet was posted by the CM that read, âFinally reached agreement with the workers and employees of Hindustan Paper Corporation to resolve long pending issues of their salaries and dues. Discussion lasted over 4 hours in my office and concluded at 2AM.”
According to sources, the Joint Action Committee of Recognised Unions (JACRU), conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to the CM for extending a relief package of around Rs. 570crs to the workers & employees to save their lives.
Hence, welcoming the efforts of the CM and considering the pitiful plight and precarious conditions leading towards the compelling circumstances, the JACRU entered into an agreement which bore the major highlight as follows –
1. The Assets of HPCL will remain with the Govt. of Assam.
2. A relief package of around Rs. 570crs shall be disbursed within two months on approval of proposal by NCLT submitted by Govt. of Assam.
3. Permanent employment for 100 workers and employees in State Government entities shall be given through special recruitment drive.
4. The relief package so offered shall not show any prejudice towards the claims of the workers in legal cases pending at various courts.
Moreover, it was the BJP government in Assam who had promised to revive the paper mills after Sarbananda Sonowal assumed charge as Chief Minister in 2016 and while campaigning for the assembly polls held in 2021.
Furthermore, for the last few years, Cachar and Nagaon paper mills have been non-functional, and the employees of the two paper mills are yet to receive their salaries for at least 55 months. In addition, as many as 93 employees of the two defunct paper mills have died in the last 58 months.