Port Blair, Nov. 9: The PCC President, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma along with a delegation of employees of Forest Corporation Ltd met the Lt Governor on 6th November 2012 and appraised him about the pathetic condition of the employees who, for no fault from them are suffering since October, 2001.

The A&N Administration had requested for revival of ANIFPDCL in a restructured form and size with a modified mandate owned by the Administration to come into effect from 1st April 2012. The concerned Ministry too had agreed in principle to the proposal for transfer of ownership of ANIFPDCL to A&N Administration, yet the Cabinet proposal, which is complete with all required information awaits approval.

Further to it, the loan extended by the Ministry of Environment and Forest first in 2004, has been stagnant to Rs. 11.00 crores per annum. Since salaries and wages have increased due to accrual of DA, ANIFPDCL does not have enough money to meet salary/wage expenses, coming to about Rs. 21 crores.

Sharma has thus requested to the Lt Governor to intervene in the above matters and approach to the Hon’ble Prime Minister to consider early release of loan assistance after enhancing it to Rs 17.00 crores per annum and finalisation of the cabinet decision for the future of the ANIFPDCL expeditiously.

Shri Haja Moideen, Assistant Engineer, Shri Lally baby, General Secretary, VVEA and Shri Shaukat, IW of the Corporation also placed the same request before the Administrator. They stated that from next month there remains no fund to release their salary and wages and that too during the festive season. The Lt Governor has given patient hearing and assured to look into the matter at an early date.