Question : VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT IN CIL



(a) the number of employees of various subsidiaries of Coal India Limited (CIL) have taken voluntary retirement under the golden handshake scheme, subsidiary-wise;

(b) whether these employees have been paid the amount of gratuity, provident fund and other benefits of the schemes;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) if not, the reasons therefor;

(e) whether the Government propose to make payment to old employees at the present Voluntary Retirement Scheme rate;

(f) if so, whether the Government also propose to make payment to those employees who have not received the same so far alongwith the interest due; and (g) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINES & MINERALS (SMT. RITA VERMA)

(a) As reported by Coal India Limited, the total number of employees who have taken voluntary retirement under Department of Public Enterprises’ scheme in the last three years in the subsidiaries of Coal India Limited, subsidiary- wise, is as under:

COMPANY 1996-97	1997-98 1998-99	ECL 95 1221 4880	BCCL	1301	2750	4088	CCL	445	935	504	WC	5	0	760	SECL	58	1	5	MCL	0	0	0	NCL	0	0	2	CMPDI	0	0	0	NEC	0	0	1	CIL HQRS.	1	5	5	TOTAL	1905	4912	10245

(b) & (c) The employees of coal companies who opted for Voluntary Retirement have been paid the terminal benefits including PF/Gratuity as per their entitlement. In addition they have also been paid the ex-gratia amount payable under the Voluntary Retirement Scheme. The ex-gratia amount paid towards Voluntary Retirement during 1996-97, 1997-98 and 1998-99 works out to Rs.22.84 crores, Rs.119.93 crores and Rs.224.20 crores respectively.

(d) Does not arise in view of reply given to parts (b) & (c) above.

(e) There has been no change in the rate of payment towards Voluntary Retirement.

(f) & (g) As per the Voluntary Retirement Scheme of Department of Public Enterprises, the payment of ex-gratia amount to the Voluntary Retirement optee is made on his retirement. Therefore, there will be no interest liability.