On Board for Reconstruction of Public Sector Enterprises

IN a statement issued from New Delhi, November 4, the secretariat of the Centre of India Trade Unions (CITU) has taken note of the announcement regarding the constitution of the Board of Reconstruction of Public Sector Enterprises (BRPSE). The board is stated to be for the purpose of restructuring or strengthening of the public sector enterprises.

In this context, the CITU has demanded that, in line with the NCMP’s commitment that “tripartite negotiation with trade unions on all proposals concerning them will be actively pursued,” the BRPSE should be mandated to consult all the stakeholders, particularly the trade unions and concerned state governments, in formulating the restructuring/revival proposals as stated in the terms of reference of the board.

The CITU maintained that the BRPSE should examine the viability of the sick central public sector undertakings (CPSUs) on a case-to-case basis with an open mind, delinking itself with any preconceived notion of closure or privatisation and with the predetermined recommendations of the administrative ministry or BIFR. The BRPSE should also ensure that holding on operation for the sick CPSUs continues till a consensus is reached on techno-economic viability and the revival package of the sick CPSUs.

The CITU also emphasised that payment of statutory/legitimate dues to the workers of the CPSUs, under consideration of the BRPSE, should not be linked to the sale of surplus assets or to finding other sources of funds. The government, as owner of the CPSUs and the employer, cannot renege on its commitments by citing the restructuring/revival proceedings before the BRPSE.

The CITU urged the UPA government to ensure that private corporates or their representatives do not have a presence, as non-official members, in the board thereby giving them scope to self-serve their interests in the closure or sale of sick CPSUS. (INN)