The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has reported continued financial losses at its Assam operations, attributing the downturn to declining production levels and a large workforce. The company is currently dealing with internal unrest following protests over the discontinuation of certain overtime payments deemed inadmissible under policy norms.
Employees under the ONGC Purbanchal Employees’ Association (OPEA) recently staged a peaceful sit-in at the Assam Asset in Nazira. The protest centres on the recent cessation of a specific overtime compensation, which workers claim has affected their earnings. However, ONGC, maintains that the said overtime payment was beyond admissible provisions and the decision to withdraw the same is in line with regulatory compliance and financial prudence.
Addressing other concerns raised by the protestors, ONGC clarified that no healthcare benefits have been removed. The system was shifted from direct credit to a reimbursement model to check people from misusing the welfare facility. This change, the company noted, was necessary to uphold the integrity of its employee-benefits programme while ensuring accountability.
Despite financial strain, ONGC continues to affirm its commitment to Assam. The company is actively hiring locals and continues to be involved in various development programmes in the region. It has been consistently investmenting in education, infrastructure, and healthcare under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandate. The Siu-Ka-Pha Hospital in Sivasagar is a result of ONGC’s healthcare outreach.
Discussions between ONGC and employee representatives is ongoing. The organisation believes that these reforms, though challenging in the short term, are essential for maintaining long-term sustainability of its operations in the region.
