MP Advocates for Comprehensive HR Policy to Address ISPRL Staff Grievances

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta has called upon the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) to address longstanding human resources (HR) policy issues affecting employees at the Mangaluru facility of Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL). In a meeting with MoPNG Secretary Pankaj Jain, Capt. Chowta highlighted the challenges faced by ISPRL employees, including those from Project Displaced Families (PDFs), due to the absence of a formal HR policy over the past eight years.

Key concerns raised include significant disparities in salaries and benefits between directly recruited ISPRL employees and those on deputation from Oil Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), lack of a promotion policy leading to career stagnation, and unequal work schedules—specifically, a six-day workweek for Mangaluru employees compared to a five-day week for those in Noida. Additionally, Capt. Chowta pointed out inadequate medical coverage, Provident Fund (PF) benefits, gratuity, shift allowances, and accident compensation for employees handling hazardous materials. He also criticized the excessively long two-year training period for PDFs, which hampers their career progression. The MP has requested immediate intervention to ensure salary parity, provide necessary allowances, and establish clear career progression opportunities, along with interim relief for the affected employees.