NFITU opposes government's bid to privatize coal mines of the country

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

DIBRUGARH: National Front of Indian Trade Union (NFITU), in a press statement, lodged its vehement protest against the Union Government's bid to privatize 160 coal mines of the country.

"The privatization process of 160 coal mines in the country has created a sense of uncertainty among the working employees and retired personnel of these mines," said national president Dipak Joisowal and vice-president Israel Nanda of NFITU. Both NFITU leaders cautioned the government that they would not allow any privatization move until and unless Coal India cleared their retired employees' due gratuity since January 1, 2017. "Coal India has cleared the gratuity to their officers on duty since January 1, 2017. However, the retired employees remain deprived of their dues, which is a gross violation of the Gratuity Act of 1972," both Joisowal and Nanda stated.

The NFITU leaders said that the Prime Minister of India and Chairman of Coal India were yet to take any initiative to this effect, although both were informed accordingly and were urged to take immediate steps to cover the retired employees of Coal India by releasing Rs 20 lakh against due gratuity of the retired employees.

"If Coal India fails to announce projected amount of Rs 20 lakh for payment of gratuity to their retired employees within one month, the NFITU has no option except to seek justice from the Supreme Court," said the NFITU leaders.

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