(a) whether the State dues and refund of recovery towards ESI of H.S.C.L. Durgapur unit are lying pending before D.S.P. Durgapur?
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons for not refunding the amount to H.S.C.L., Durgapur; and
(c) the steps being taken to make payment of salaries to the employees of H.S.C.L?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR STEEL (SHRI BRAJA KISHORE TRI PATHY)
(a) & (b): No State dues to HSCL Durgapur are pending with DSP Durgapur. In so far as ESI dues are concerned, SAIL has applied for exemption from ESI payments, as its employees are not utilising the benefits of ESI; rather, they are utilising the benefits of SAIL hospitals. This exemption has not been granted so far. This matter is sub-judice. Howeveer, SAIL/DSP has deducted an amount of Rs. 76 lakhs from bills submitted by HSCL, Durgapur, in anticipation of a situation, whereby, their case for exemption from ESI is rejected an it is asked to settle the dues.
(c) The revival package of HSCL has been approved and a loan of Rs. 209 crores (approximately) has been disbursed by SBI for implementation of VRS. It is expected that with the separation of 4000 employees from HSCL and implementation of other measures included in the revival plan, the wages and salaries position will improve.