TIMES NEWS NETWORKMangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta has sought the intervention of petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri regarding the permanent employment commitments for project displaced families (PDFs) at GAIL Mangalore Petrochemicals Limited (GMPL), Mangaluru.In a letter, the MP mentioned about the issue concerning the livelihoods of the PDFs, and sought the urgent intervention to address the grievances that have arisen among the local families.“The issue dates back to 2012 when 115.3 acres were acquired from local families for setting up a purified terephthalic acid (PTA) plant by the erstwhile JBF Petrochemicals Limited (JBFPL). Under the original lease deeds signed on Sept 29, 2012, and Dec 9, 2012, a binding commitment was made to provide full-time, regular employment priority to a minimum of 115 members of these displaced families.
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Following the subsequent acquisition of the plant by GAIL (India) Limited via the NCLT resolution plan, the newly formed subsidiary, GMPL, legally inherited these displacement and rehabilitation obligations,” the MP noted, adding that for a prolonged period, the absorption process remained entirely stalled.Referring to his previous request made in June 2024, the MP stated, “Following your clear, compassionate instructions, to secure the future of these families, the ministry swiftly issued an official directive on Aug 8, 2024, clear-tracking the recruitment. However, a major grievance has now arisen during the actual issuance of the appointment offers. Contrary tothe permanent, regular employment that was promised, GMPL has started issuing offer letters stipulating that the engagement will be initially for a period of five years. Subsequently, the engagement period will continue to be extended further for one or multiple term(s) of up to five years. This unexpected deviation has caused deep distress and widespread dissatisfaction among the PDF families.”
