MP Brijesh chowta seeks structured HR policy for ISPRL staff

MP Brijesh chowta seeks structured HR policy for ISPRL staff

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, March 11, 2025: Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta met Pankaj Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) in Delhi on Monday and drew his attention to the urgent need for a structured Human Resources (HR) policy for employees of Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL) at the Mangaluru facility.

In a letter submitted to Mr. Jain the MP said that for over eight years, ISPRL employees, including those from Project Displaced Families (PDFs), have faced multiple challenges due to a lack of formal HR policy.

He said that employees recruited directly by ISPRL receive significantly lower salaries and benefits compared to officers on deputation from Oil PSUs, who enjoy allowances aligned with their parent organisations.

Many employees have been in the same grade for over five years without a promotion policy, leading to stagnation.

ISPRL employees at Mangaluru work six days a week, while deputed officers at ISPRL’s Noida headquarters follow a five-day work week.

Employees handling hazardous hydrocarbons lack proper medical coverage, Provident Fund (PF), gratuity, shift allowances, and accident compensation.

Unlike other industries where training lasts one year, PDFs at ISPRL undergo two years of training without justification, affecting their career growth, Capt. Chowta said.

Seeking the Secretary’s urgent intervention to resolve this long pending issue, Capt. Chowta also urged for the provision of interim relief in terms of salary parity, allowances, and career progression opportunities for affected employees, a release from the office of MP said.