In a significant development for coal employees in Jharkhand, especially those retired from Coal India and its subsidiary companies, relief is on the horizon regarding pending arrears payments. According to reports, the Director of Coal India has issued instructions to all Assistant Coal Companies’ Managing Directors to settle payments by March 31st.
pending arrears will be disbursed by April
benefiting approximately 18,000 employees. These employees include retired individuals who left their positions after July 2021.The delay in disbursing arrears stems from the non-payment of NCWA-11 dues to various sections of retired and retiring employees, despite revised wage agreements coming into effect from July 2021. Consequently, the Director of Coal India has directed prompt action to settle these dues by the end of March.
Furthermore, apart from arrears payments, Coal India’s DP has also instructed for the expeditious transfer of legal and general workers in various companies. Similar directives have been issued for Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
The delay in arrears payment occurred due to the lack of consensus on minimum guarantee benefits
resulting in the disbursement of arrears for only 23 months instead of the stipulated period. While approximately 38 coal employees, besides those from subsidiary companies, benefited during this period, retired employees who left service during the 23-month duration did not receive their pending arrears. Consequently, retired employees also qualify for arrears payments.
This move signifies a significant step towards addressing pending financial dues for retired and retiring coal employees, providing them with much-needed relief.