Vol. 39 No. 12 May, 2020

Message by Chairman...... 05 Director General's Desk...... 06

SCOPE News SCOPE conducts Webinar on Future of Work, 5th in SCOPE Webinar Series 2020...... 07 SCOPE hails the Impetus to Businesses & MSMEs in the Economic Package to...... 08 Make ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ SCOPE holds Interactive Webinar on Financial Planning and Liquidity...... 09 Management, 6th Webinars in 6 weeks Interface with Stakeholders...... 10 SCOPE Initiatives Unlocked During National Lockdown...... 11 PSEs in Conversation with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar...... 15 DG, SCOPE highlights Public Sector contribution at ICSI Webinar...... 17 Overwhelming Response to SCOPE Webinar Series 2020...... 18

SCOPE in Media SCOPE in Media...... 19

Articles Solidarity in Dire Straits...... 20 by D. Singh Halliburton v Vedanta: Performance bonds and COVID-19...... 22 by Shourav Lahiri Economy and Me – Covid-19...... 26 by Dr. Dewarker Goel & Sneha Viresh Bagdiya Evolution of Labour Laws & Reforms in Indian Context...... 30 by S. A. Khan Working of Startups in India: Need to Review...... 34 by Pramod Kr. Sinha Excessive Pricing: CCI Intervention should be Carefully Measured...... 40 by Pranjal Prateek

PSE News SAIL Becomes the Largest Domestic Crude Steel Producer in FY’20...... 47 NALCO Clocks All Time High Production of Bauxite and Alumina Amidst Corona Crisis.. 49 COVID-19: MCL Reacts Promptly to Help Administration...... 51 Director (HR), NLCIL conferred with the 'Top Rankers...... 51 Excellence 'HR Leader Ship Award' PSEs Pay Dividend to Government...... 53 NRL Organises Webinar with MSE Vendors...... 55

Contents DG, CSIR launches Compendium of Indian Technologies for Combating COVID-19...... 56 Vol. 39 No. 12 May, 2020 Total Pages:78 A. S.Khan PUBLISHER Sharma Nisha EDITOR Director General CHIEF EDITOR P. Sinha,Addl. GM(HR&CC) K. GM(Technical) M. L.Maurya, Group GM(Corp.S. A.Khan, Affairs) Atul General, Director Sobti, SCOPE ADVISORY BOARD Contents GAIL in Readiness to Quick Start Project Execution, to Start GAIL inReadiness Quick Post Lockdown...... BEL Achieves Record Turnover inExcess ofRs.12,500 Crores...... BHEL OptimisesEmphasisonEmployee EngagementtheLockdown; during ...... IRCON Contributes Rs20.5crore to PMCARES Fund...... OrderBEML BagsMajor from Coal...... India THDCIL Successfully Organize 22ndICPSU Table Tennis Tournament at THDCIL...... REC Commits Financial Assistance to Impart Vocational &Skill Training to 1800 Women -forPort Quiz theEmployees ofCochin Port Trust...... NTPC’s crosses installedcapacity 62,000MWwithNEEPCO, THDCIL Acquisitions...... NHPC Explores RenewableEnergy Plans in Telangana...... and Dispatch Targets Performance Best Both inits34 Years ofJourney Production Picksup Activities Pace at GSL...... Personalia...... HUDCO Jubile...... itsGolden Marks HAL Hands Over 50 HAL HandsOver GAIL Director (Finance) Reviews ‘Urja Ganga’ Celebration ofConstitution Day, Jayanti Ambedkar at HAL...... Launch ofCustomer Payment Limited Portal by...... HIL(India) Four inthe Rated Amongst Best AAIAirports World...... Samrasta Divas; PreambleITDC Observes read at...... theDigital Gathering 100MT inCoal Mark Production andDespatch CM, Andhra Pradesh and PSEs Celebrate International Women's Day...... MoU PSEs Ink . PSEs CSRActivities Ncl Ncl

at NewHeights inCoal Production andDispatch Coal Surpasses Production ...... Registers 6%Growth inCoal Production ...... th Set ofL-40 Set Stage ofGSLV-MKII to...... ISRO Tel: 011-43700100 Designed by Akar Advertising &Marketing (P)Ltd. Phase-II, NewDelhi-110028 at RaveScan(P)Limited, A-27, NarainaIndustrial Area, E-mail: [email protected] New Delhi-110003 • Tel.: 24361495,Fax:24361371 Enterprises, Core8,1 A. S.KhanonbehalfofStandingConferencePublic Published andprintedatNewDelhiby Management. -Editor articles arethatoftheauthorsandnotnecessarilySCOPE in theacceptedstyle. The viewsexpressedinvarious with priorpermissionoftheEditorandacknowledgment Material publishedinKALEIDOSCOPEmaybereproduced “Standing ConferenceofPublicEnterprises”) (Payment maybesentbyDD/Chequedrawninfavourof Price percopy:Rs.50/- Annual Subscription:Rs.500/- Nbcc Cmd DiscussProgress of BuildAp’‘Mission Initiative...... st Ncl Floor, SCOPEComplex,7LodhiRoad, Once Again...... to Ready Hit

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Message by CHAIRMAN

relief material and support to many effected over the last two months. PSEs continue to play an em- blematic role in helping the country counter and address the latest pandemic. SCOPE has also con- tinued to compile and highlight the good work be- ing done by PSEs. SCOPE, as the apex organisation of PSEs, has been advocating the concerns of PSEs to create an en- abling environment for their efficient function- ing. Recently, a number of Policy Advocacy issues have been taken with the government which have emerged owing to COVID 19 pandemic. Besides, a number of initiatives have been launched to enhance skills and capacities of PSE executives. Foraying into the digital format, SCOPE has been conducting Webinar programs on topics most rel- midst the outbreak of COVID-19, compa- evant to PSEs in the current scenario and in the nies around the world are going through time to come. The overwhelming response has en- tremendous transformation in their busi- A couraged us to continue with our initiatives for the ness models, the role of their employees in digi- betterment of PSEs. tal workspace and are discovering new work life balance. But the worst is not over yet, as per re- As the world goes through the biggest social cent findings of World Economic Forum (WEF), experiment, PSEs have been working continu- economic distress and social discontent will rise ously to provide a safe working environment over the next 18 months unless there are efforts to to its employees. SCOPE will continue to come handle the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. As up with new initiatives to keep up with the cur- the economy embattles this notified disaster, the rent trends and technologies. I hope PSEs will Government of India has announced Rupees 20 continue giving their support to our endeavour Lakh Crore package to revive the country’s econo- which is an attempt to evolving their skill sets my. Organisations have also resumed functioning in these transforming times. We will continue to with staggered work/business hours as lockdown take new initiatives for our member enterprises are being eased down and Work from Home have for which we continue to seek your inputs and become new normal to minimise spread of pan- suggestions. I also strongly believe that if we demic. Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) are all set continue to display the same grit and determina- to take greater responsibility to retrace the growth tion, which is our forte, Public Sector will continue for greater societal equality and sustainability. to play a major role in navigating a prolific recov- ery path for our country. As PSEs were created on the foundation to serve the twin objective of economic growth with social justice, their focus will always be on development of economy and catering to society at large. A role Rakesh Kumar they have fervently accomplished by providing Chairman, SCOPE

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 5 Director General’s Desk

he Government across the has given thrust to turn the cur- As part of its Policy Advocacy world are taking relent- rent crisis situation into an op- efforts, issues of concern of Tless measures to restart portunity. In this regard, a se- PSEs have been taken up their economies and mitigate the ries of new initiatives have been with Department of Public impact of Covid-19 outbreak. unlocked during this lockdown Enterprises, Ministry of Corp- The Government of India has period by providing a platform orate Affairs and Ministry of also announced economic stimu- of knowledge sharing and capac- Labour and Employment, based lus package of INR 20 lakh crores ity building for PSE employees. on the inputs received from to spur the economic growth and Besides, efforts have also been PSEs. The government bodies build an Atma Nirbhar Bharat or made to create a conducive and were receptive of the suggestions self reliant India. SCOPE com- cohesive policy environment made by us. SCOPE also partici- pliments the government for for their optimal functioning. pated in the meetings organized giving thrust to various sectors In this regard, SCOPE has been through webinars by Ministry including MSMEs through the conducting a Series of Webinars of Labour and Employment economic stimulus that would on relevant subjects along with which discussed various is- go a long way in reviving our interactive sessions with policy sues and challenges in view of economy. Atma Nirbhar Bharat makers and regulators for dis- Covid-19 pandemic. These based on five pillars – Economy, pelling their concerns and issues. meetings provided SCOPE a Infrastructure, Technology Dri- SCOPE has so far conducted great opportunity to put forth ven System, Vibrant Demogra- eight Webinars during this lock- issues faced by PSEs during the phy, and Demand will amplify down period as part of SCOPE ongoing scenario. With gradual the role of industry including Webinar series 2020. We have reopening of offices, requisite Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs). been receiving an encouraging preventive measures have been In these challenging times, and over whelming response taken for creating safe working SCOPE, as an apex body of PSEs, from our member enterprises. environment in both the office complexes of SCOPE. I am sure we will emerge stron- Programmes & Initiatives Launched (Since last issue of Kaleidoscope) ger once the pandemic passes. I • Future of Work in the New Normal CPSE Perspective with Deloitte India wish you all good health. – 30th April, 2020 • Financial Planning & Liquidity Management in Current Pandemic Stay alert, Stay Safe. Scenario with KPMG India – 14th May, 2020 • Issues in Arbitration & Future of Virtual Hearings with Justice Vibhu Bakhru – 23rd May, 2020 • Leading through unchartered waters – Chief Executives of Atul Sobti leading PSEs in conversation with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Director General, SCOPE - 25th May, 2020

6 KaleidOscope May, 2020 SCOPE conducts Webinar on Future of Work, 5th in SCOPE Webinar Series 2020

Mr. Atul Sobti, DG, SCOPE, Mr. Sunil Kumar, Director (HR&EB), MTNL, Mr. Pratik N. Mehta, Partner, Human Capital, Deloitte India and Mr. Ankur Walunjkar, Partner, Human Capital, Deloitte India during the webinar.

COPE organised Webinar on them in Fight against COVID-19 revisit their work, employee rele- ‘Future of Work in the New was released on the occasion. The vance in digital workspace, alter- SNormal (CPSE Perspective)’ Webinar received an overwhelm- native workplace models, work in association with Deloitte as its ing response of over 500 partici- from home policies and require- knowledge partner on 30th April pants including several senior ment of new skill sets required 2020. The Webinar, 5th in the se- members of the Public Sector by employees. ries of SCOPE Webinars, aimed fraternity. The Webinar was ad- at making various strategies dressed by Mr. Atul Sobti, DG, Mr. Atul Sobti in his address that organizations would need SCOPE and Mr. Sunil Kumar, highlighted that every challenge from a people and process stand- Director (HR & EB), MTNL. Mr. presents a new opportunity point to ensure they thrive in the Ankur Walunjkar, Partner, Hu- which can be replicated in the present situation of COVID-19 man Capital and Mr. Pratik N. present crisis. He also added that and thereafter. Special e-issue Mehta, Partner, Human Capital, while Work from Home may be- of SCOPE’s monthly magazine Deloitte India presented the role come the new normal in times to Kaleidoscope encompassing of virtual office spaces in the come but there would be equal PSEs contribution to economy present times and also discussed number of challenges associated. and the role being played by the need for organisations to However, by developing nimble

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 7 SCOPE News

Mr. Atul Sobti, DG, SCOPE released special e-issue of SCOPE’s monthly magazine Kaleidoscope in the presence of Mr. Sunil Kumar, Director (HR&EB), MTNL and Deloitte team. and agile operating models and Mr. Sunil Kumar complimented and highlighted the need for or- adopting new ways of work- SCOPE for conducting webinars ganisations to be agile in adopt- ing, the same can be resolved. on subjects most relevant to PSEs ing the new work forms.

SCOPE hails the Impetus to Businesses & MSMEs in the Economic Package to Make ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’

COPE welcomed the eco- bringing the economy back on a for the Public Sector as PSEs make nomic stimulus package of growth trajectory. He said 'While 25% of its procurements from the Sthe GoI to spur the econom- the Government continues its re- said sector.' DG, SCOPE added. ic growth and build a self-reliant sponsibility towards migrants SCOPE also welcomed measures and resilient India. and the poor, the financial and with respect to liquidity infusion Mr. Atul Sobti, Director General, other measures to MSMEs would in NBFCs, contractors and realty SCOPE while appreciating the play a significant role in boosting along with reduction of TDS/ commitment of the Government the Make in India initiative there- TCS rates which would ensure said that the thrust given to vari- by making the country self-reliant increase liquidity in the hands ous sectors through the economic on varied aspects. The impetus to of common man thereby making stimulus would go a long way in MSMEs shall play a special role way for increased demand.

8 KaleidOscope May, 2020 SCOPE News SCOPE holds Interactive Webinar on Financial Planning and Liquidity Management, 6th Webinar in 6 weeks

Mr. Kishor Rungta CMD, FACT & Vice Chairman, SCOPE, Mr. Atul Sobti DG, SCOPE, Mr. A. K.Tiwari, Director (Finance), GAIL, Mr. Venkateswaran Narayanan, Partner, KPMG India and Mr. Shamit Mukherjee, Partner, KPMG India during the webinar

COPE conducted its 6th KPMG India presented the announced by the Government to Webinar on ‘Financial Pla- initiatives of the Govern- manage corporate liquidity. He Snning and Liquidity Ma- ment to ease liquidity for the further said that while the given nagement in Current Pandemic corporate and along with pos- situation is a pandemic but with Scenario’ with eminent experts sible corporate behaviour and efficient planning and manage- from KPMG to address the con- planning that can help achieve ment, organisations can strike a cerns and need for effective finan- effective financial planning with balance in optimising operations cial planning and liquidity man- liquidity. They highlighted how and use of resources. agement. The Interactive Webinar the top management should fol- Mr. Rungta spoke about the saw the participation of over 300 low good discipline with respect handholding role being played PSE executives including CMDs to cash, capital, cost and custom- by the PSEs and the need to not and Directors. er to ease liquidity pressures on focus on maximising profit but The Webinar was addressed their companies minimising loss by all organisa- by Mr. Atul Sobti, DG, SCOPE, In his address, Mr. Atul Sobti tions. Mr. Tiwari in his closing Mr. Kishor Rungta, CMD, FACT complimented the PSEs in being remarks appreciated SCOPE in & Vice Chairman, SCOPE and committed to the nation to over- addressing the subject in a time- Mr. A. K. Tiwari, Director come the current crisis. He added ly manner and urged the Public (Finance), KPMG India and that the webinar is very time- Sector to focus on relationships Mr. Shamit Mukherjee, Partner, ly given the stimulus package and then profit.

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 9 SCOPE News Interface with Stakeholders

SCOPE represented PSEs at meetings with Shri Santosh Gangwar, Hon'ble MOS(I/c) for Labour & Employment.

SCOPE' s reaction on Government's economic stimulus introduced during COVID-19 telecasted on DD News

SCOPE' s reaction on Government's economic stimulus introduced during COVID-19 telecasted on ZEE News

10 KaleidOscope May, 2020 SCOPE News SCOPE Initiatives Unlocked During National Lockdown (upto Lockdown 3.O)

ith the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic world over, adhering to Government’s Wguidelines Public Sector Enterprises were suggested to work with skeletal staff in at- tendance at office premises and rest through Work from Home. SCOPE being the apex organisation of PSEs in India took this as a challenge and decided to transform it into an opportunity to raise the bar of employee engagement.

DG, SCOPE Inspirits Employees

PSEs and complementing PSEs efforts in this chal- lenging time.

Mr. Atul Sobti, DG (SCOPE) inspirits employees at SCOPE introduces SCOPE Webinar commencement of lockdown. Series 2020 Steering the employees ahead in this period of lock- In light of the grave situation owing to COVID-19 down, Mr. Atul Sobti DG, SCOPE addressed SCOPE pandemic, there has been a tremendous transfor- employees through WEBCAST and inspirited them mation in the way organisations function around to 'remain connected & safe' and 'make optimum the world. In a couple of weeks, SCOPE planned utilisation of Work from Home opportunity' during and organised LIVE webinars as part of its modified the Lockdown period. He also asked each employee programmes, a maiden attempt that received an to work towards building a progressive and inno- overwhelming response from all. These webinars vative work culture. were conducted on issues most relevant to PSEs.

SCOPE celebrates Public Sector Day Webinar 1 & 2 On the occasion of Public Sector Day, Mr. Sailesh, IAS, Secretary, DPE in his message, commended the efforts of PSEs in socio-economic development of the country as well as their contribution in supplement- ing the Government efforts to contain COVID-19 outbreak. He also complimented SCOPE for its ca- pacity building programs to enhance excellence in

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 11 SCOPE News

Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE), the apex body of Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) in continuation of its endeavour for creating a con- ducive policy and business environment for PSEs organised an interactive Webinar with Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) on ‘Ease of Doing Business Initiatives & Business Continuity Measures under- taken by MCA during COVID-19’.

Webinar 5

In the series, the first two Webinars were held on 'International EPC contracting: A Legal Perspective' by Mr. Shourav Lahiri, Barrister-at-law, London and 'Climate Change- Role of Indian PSUs and Impact of COVID-19' by Dr. Ashish Chaturvedi, India Director of GIZ Germany.

Webinar 3

SCOPE successfully organised Webinar on Future of Work in the New Normal (CPSE Perspective)’ in association with Deloitte. The Webinar, th5 in the series of SCOPE Webinars, aimed at making vari- ous strategies that organizations would need from a people and process standpoint to ensure they thrive in the present situation of COVID-19 and thereafter. SCOPE organised the third Webinar of the SCOPE Webinar Series 2020 titled ‘Economic Impact of Webinar 6 COVID- CPSEs Perspective’ with Deloitte as knowl- The 6th Webinar was held on the topic of ‘Financial edge partner. Mr. Kishore Rungta, CMD, FACT Planning and Liquidity Management in Current and Vice Chairman, SCOPE was also present. Pandemic Scenario’ with eminent experts from

Webinar 4

12 KaleidOscope May, 2020 SCOPE News

KPMG to address the concerns and need for effec- tive financial planning and liquidity management. The interactive Webinar saw the participation of over 300 PSE executives including CMDs and Directors.

SCOPE Introduced Preventive Safety Measures

Helpers was selected, who can stay at the premis- es for long to avoid community contacts, also the transport was not available. Arrangement of food within the premises was also made for them. All the workers were provided mask, sanitizers and Social SCOPE took various precautionary measures for distancing norms was followed. employees of SCOPE, Constituent Members and Cleaning and sanitization of outer areas, stair- the visitors to bout the spread of novel corona vi- cases, frequently touched surfaces, lifts etc. have rus (COVID-19). As per the directives of govt. and been carried regularly through housekeeping staff. other agencies, crucial decision and subsequent ac- Fumigation with disinfectants was also carried out tions were taken for SCOPE COMPLEX and SCOPE in both the SCOPE offices. DG, SCOPE also moti- MINAR. The measures were taken to improve the vated all engineers through VC and reviewed all hygiene. Thermal Scanning and Social distancing activities on daily basis. Now all efforts are being were also circulated to all the constituents. Work made to ensure proper norms/directives of Govt are from Home (WFH) concept was also introduced for followed once the Lockdown is over. the first time in SCOPE. SCOPE Employees Donated their One Day Salary in PMCARES Fund Employees of SCOPE contributed their one day

The Technical team of SCOPE swung into the ac- tion immediately and chalked out the plan for pro- viding all services .Within the lockdown, a 'lock in' strategy was framed where in to maintain the above services skeletal staff of Technicians/ Operators/ SCOPE employees donated their one day salary in PMCARES Fund.

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 13 SCOPE News salary to the PMCARES Fund, to combat the process, SCOPE team came up with a wide range COVID-19 epidemic. SCOPE saw it as privilege to of activities and initiatives. These efforts were partake in the nation’s resolve to overcome the big- made to foster a sense of belongingness and gest calamity of recent times. As responsible corpo- Virtual training sessions were held at regular rate citizens, Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) have intervals. These included Yoga sessions, Health always remained at the vanguard to respond effec- talks, session on Water Supply, Sanitary and tively to national priorities. Even during this ongo- other Civil Maintenance Works etc. SCOPE also ing crisis, PSEs stand committed and have come for- took initiatives during the lockdown by organiz- ward to supplement the efforts of the Government. ing a series of Health & Wellness talk which was SCOPE is working closely with its member enter- attended by employees and their family members. prises to compile initiatives taken by them and bring to forefront their imperative contribution. SCOPE’s Policy Advocacy Efforts

Internal Training Session for Employee Engagement Series of internal programs were held for capac- ity building of employees. To establish a routine for employees and to keep up learning

SCOPE has written to different ministries re- garding issues related to PSEs. Mr. Atul Sobti, DG, SCOPE represented PSEs at meeting held under the Chairmanship of Mr. Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State (I/C) for Labour & Employment. SCOPE News PSEs in Conversation with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

to tread ahead with self-belief and perseverance as like any crisis faced by humans, this too shall pass. Initiating the queries from PSE Chiefs, Shri Anil Kumar Chaudhary Chairman, SAIL said that we all are being faced by extremely uncertain times and extreme pessimism, which calls for guidance from him. He also cited the challenges being faced SCOPE Webinar with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. by leaders who display their true strength by en- hancing creativity and emotional intelligence in COPE in a bid to infuse positivity and men- their employees and asked how could one negate tal wellbeing among Public Sector Enterprises negativity and move ahead. Replying to his doubt, S(PSEs) during this pandemic situation, organ- Guruji said there was a need in creating a positive ised an Interactive Webinar with one of the world’s mindset at home and at work. He cited the exam- most revered spiritual leaders, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi ple of past pandemics faced by the country and the Shankar and Chief Executives of leading PSEs in- resilience to overcome them. He, therefore, said cluding Shri Anil Kumar Chaudhary, Chairman, that the present disaster can also be averted if we SAIL, Shri Pramod Agrawal, CMD, CIL, Shri follow the mantra of ‘ Utho, Jago, Kaam Karo’ with- Rakesh Kumar, CMD, NLCIL, Dr. Nalin Shinghal, out succumbing to fear and disdain. He also coined CMD, BHEL and Shri Manoj Jain, CMD, GAIL. the idea of avoiding competition and having con- The webinar was organized by Shri Atul Sobti DG, fidence and cooperation to overcome this crisis. SCOPE. The Session titled ‘Leading through un- Gurudev also stated that there was an urgent need chartered water’ aimed at bestowing spiritual guid- to harmonize the body, mind and emotions through ance and achieving mental wellness in these times meditation and take the path to instil creativity, of isolation was held on 25th May, 2020. The live adopt ‘Sakaratmak’ mode as well. He encouraged streaming of the interaction was viewed by many to adapt Yoga in our daily life as slowing down and through social media platforms of SCOPE and Art reflecting on our actions is the lesson taught to us of Living. by nature at this juncture. At the outset, Shri Atul Sobti DG, SCOPE welcomed The second question was put up by Mr. Pramod the participants and thanked Guruji for the blessed Agrawal, CMD, Coal India Ltd who asked whether interaction stating that it was an honour for the each one of us is moving towards an Individualistic PSE fraternity to be joined by him. Highlighting tendency in life and was the concept of Globalisation the role and pivotal position of PSEs in the econo- diminishing and the role PSEs can play in this my and their initiatives in times of crisis, he added that the webinar was the most cherished moment in SCOPE’s digital journey as it attempted to instil hope in PSE employees. Chief Executives on the panel asked pragmatic questions that were can- didly responded to by Guruji who advised them SCOPE News

situation. Replying to this, Guruji stated that human that the intense migration of labourers is a great values can never die. Being so deeply entrenched crisis as there will be a dearth of workforce in in our psyche there was no way that humanity can the city and rise in pandemic in interior areas be overcome. He assured that through hardwork where migrant labourers are taking the virus and and positive attitude normalcy and solutions can be infection with them. Pondering on the critical situ- achieved. It is all in one’s mindset. ation, Guruji added that it is a true challenge for Asking the third question Shri Rakesh Kumar, the cities to recall the migrants that have returned CMD,NLCIL & Chairman, SCOPE asked Guruji to their villages and town but not impossible. The that after the outbreak of Corona there has been a resilience and encouragement needed by them can shift from economic values to human values. Shri be provided through efforts by PSEs. The idea was Kumar asked if this will be lost once the pandemic to create employment opportunities and develop is over or will it sustain and for the society to pros- skill development centres for the youth to gain per, as even economic growth is important, so how their confidence once again. The final question should PSEs work towards that? Giving a pragmatic of the session was put up by Shri Manoj Jain, CMD, GAIL who seeked guidance from Guruji in reach- outlook to the situation, Guruji retorted that the first ing out to far off workers in remote areas and plants and foremost responsibility of PSEs was to maxi- of PSEs where there was immense negativity and mise profitability and regain economic strength of fear. Replying to him, Guruji added that true the country. He added that Humanitarian work will moral support can be provided by laying focus on be done by NGOs and institutions like Art of Living, leniency at this time. He said that companies need but PSEs need to recover and be open to competi- to have an encouraging and supportive attitude tion. He encouraged all to create more locally rather and ‘Atmabal’ is the key to regaining confidence. than relying on imports. He emphasised that for He also stressed on meditation and spiritual power Sustainable growth and development there is need being most important in mental wellness of work- to be judicious use of resources. He also suggested ers. Besides he also asked PSEs to work towards PSEs to compile the efforts needed to be made to- updating their technologies and encouraging Start wards road of recovery and impediments faced by ups. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar thanked SCOPE and DG, them, that he would like to forward to our Hon’ble SCOPE for the unique opportunity to interact with Prime Minister. vibrant and essential entities of the country, the Moving ahead, Dr. Nalin Shinghal CMD, BHEL PSEs and said he looked forward to more such fruit- raised his concern as to how could everyone ful opportunities. The program was followed by a maintain their Faith and support other’s in this Meditation session where participants from 142 time of trauma and hopelessness. He also added countries joined in.

16 KaleidOscope May, 2020 DG, SCOPE highlights Public Sector contribution at ICSI Webinar

ICSI acknowledges DG, SCOPE's support in their unique initiative called 'Shaheed ki Beti'.

Mr. Atul Sobti, DG, SCOPE addressing the participants initiatives undertaken by Government of India. during the webinar. He emphasised that ‘Atma nirbhar Bharat’ was not about making India isolated, but rather about cre- he Institute of Company Secretaries of India ating connections and garnering self sufficiency in (ICSI), a statutory body constituted under the country. He reinstated that the goal of this mis- the Company Secretaries Act, 1980 organ- sion was to prepare the country for tough competi- T tion and face challenges of global value chains. He ised a webinar on the topic ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat : The Dawn of a New India’ on 18th May 2020. also emphasised on the creation of correct values The eminent panel included Shri Suresh Prabhu, and maximising the Human capital needs to achieve Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Shri this goal. In his address, Shri Atul Sobti appreci- K. J. Alphons, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, ated the tremendous effort and slew of measures Rajya Sabha, Shri Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, being undertaken by the Government and the con- Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India tribution of Public Sector in the national economy. and Shri Atul Sobti DG, SCOPE among others dig- DG, SCOPE cited that the year can either be seen nitaries. In current times when the country is facing as one only of crisis or one full of opportunities. He economic and health crisis, the Webinar intended to said the year will be remembered in case of new discuss and deliberate the efforts of the regulators economies that survived and sustained this era of who promptly analyzed the rising panic and took crisis. He also mentioned that the clarion call made immediate measures to curb the impact. Certificates by the Prime Minister to become ‘Atma nirbhar’ of the unique initiative of ICSI called “Shaheed ki calls for hardwork and becoming self sufficient. Beti” that provides financial support to the girl child Talking about the journey of PSEs, he stated that of the martyrs for her higher education or for any Public Sector has played a major role in making the other purpose were presented to all the panellists. country self reliant and have done an exceptional job in maintaining the country’s economic equi- The Webinar was inaugurated by Mr. Suresh librium. DG, SCOPE also mentioned that the key Prabhu who spoke about the Atma Nirbhar parameters to attaining self dependence and lower- ing imports in the country would be to encourage Innovation as a criteria and promoting Research and Development in industries. He also empha- sised that we must create technology that is world class and sellable to achieve success.

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 17 SCOPE News Overwhelming Response to SCOPE Webinar Series 2020 Owing to COVID-19 pandemic, SCOPE has provided a virtual through various mediums including virtual meeting and platform for capacity building, knowledge sharing and addre- SCOPE social platforms – Facebook, Twitter, YouTube etc. We ssing the concerns and issues of Public Sector Enterprises. are truly overwhelmed and energized by the support and We are pleased to share with you that SCOPE has got a very appreciation received from Public Sector Fraternity and the positive and encouraging feedback for its webinars series participants who attended SCOPE webinars. This has in fact 2020. Since the lockdown, SCOPE has organised 8 webinars encouraged us to organise more such programmes on important in a period of 8 weeks on varied subjects. Each webinar topics relevant to PSEs. Some of the encouraging feedback are was attended by a large number of enthusiastic participants reproduced below:

“Very well organized. Congratulations to Team, SCOPE” “Excellent Initiative” Shri Sudhakar Ramaiah Director (Finance), PDIL & Member, SCOPE Executive Board “Thanks very much for conducting such program.”

“Beautiful moderation and Excellent Session.” Shri Ashutosh Vasant “Well, session with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji was a hit. I had shared Director(POM) RailTel & Member, SCOPE Executive Board the links with 7-8 groups of ex-PSU people/ HR practioners/ extended family members/ friends, with a view to sensitize them as to how PSU heads are creating a spiritual space for them and their employees, during these lockdown times. “Nice program sir. You have taken SCOPE to new heights” Nice initiative. Stay safe....and reach out to people on a virtual Shri S. Sakthimani plane. Director (Finance) CCI & Member, SCOPE Executive Board Thank you."

It was a brief but very good program. Compliments to Sobti “Superb” Saab and the team to conceptualize the important theme. “Conducted very well..” Dr. H. Purushotham, CMD, NRDC & Member, SCOPE Executive Board

“What a great session ! Thank you so much for the opportunity. It is a wonder experience. Thanks for organizing this. Spiritual intelligence is what is encouraged these days and you Dr. S. P. Mohanty, CMD, HIL & Member, SCOPE Executive Board did it!!!! In such a great creative unique way”

“Program was excellent. It showed that our PSUs & their CMD “Congratulations! The programme ‘Leading thru Unchartered are extremely conscious of current crisis, human values, faith Waters’ was amazing. You moderated the sessions of CEOs’ in humanity, business challenges & business continuity. interface with the Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar extremely well.” As Gurudev mentioned, faith in humans ability to rise again has to be motto of life & businesses more than ever...... The “Your xlent leadership during lock down has given new session’s meditation was so so good that I felt extremely happy direction to SCOPE. True. Best leadership is utilizing limited at the end of it. Kudos to DG Scope & entire team of Scope resource for best outcome. Badhai.” for such wonderful thoughtful initiative in these times where positive energy & positive thoughts are so much needed.” My heartfelt thanks. “Conducted very well. Saw you in this role for the first time.”

“A truly mesmerizing conversation with Guruji. Thanks for organizing it and making it open to all of us. “Excellent initiative by SCOPE”

And it goes without saying, your passion always lights up all these interactions. SCOPE will definitely achieve glory under “Congrats SCOPE for the excellent initiative. Let it flourish your guidance.” beyond COVID Lockdown”

18 KaleidOscope May, 2020 SCOPE in Media

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 19 ARTICLE Solidarity in Dire Straits

D. Singh CMD, IREL

REL (India) Limited, a Mini Country, besides commercial ap- are predominately inhabited by Ratna, Category-1 CPSE un- plications such as doping agents the fishermen community with Ider the administrative con- for enhancing performance. meagre literacy levels, the im- trol of Department of Atomic mediate need was to reach out to The operating units are located Energy (DAE) is a Multi-Unit- the populace, create awareness along the coastal tracts of Chat- Multi Product Company with on the safe practices and match rapur, Odisha, Manavalakurichi, the mandate to produce Atomic shoulder with shoulder to de- Tamil Nadu and Chavara, Kerala Minerals, Rare Earths and other velop confidence amongst the where these Atomic Minerals and Compounds of Strategic interest. underprivileged section of the so- Rare Earths are available. The Rare The Atomic Minerals, also known ciety to fight the unseen enemy. Earths Extraction Plant (REEP is as Beach Sand Minerals (BSM) The Company took a calibrated located in Odisha while the sepa- are a suite of 7 (seven) minerals approach to inhibit spread of rated High Pure Rare Earth Plant which interalia include Ilmenite, the Pandemic around its operat- (HPRE) is located in Aluva, Kerala. Rutile, Leucoxene which are tita- ing units. IREL engaged Public IREL has constituted a subsidiary nium bearing minerals, Zircon–a Address System in the nearby company, IREL IDCOL Limited zirconium bearing mineral, Sill- villages and officials from the to harness the Atomic Mineral de- imanite- a silicate of aluminium, District Administration, Sarpanch posits in Odisha. Garnetiron - aluminium silicate, of the Village Panchayats, lo- & Monazite which is a phosphatic IREL having a strong CSR base in cal leaders, active groups were mineral of Rare Earths. these areas sprung into action post made the backbone of the drive to declaration of lockdown due to the spread awareness on the practic- Atomic Minerals are used for Covid-19 Pandemic, which has es promoted by the Government a horde of applications span- gripped the entire world with fear including those of social distanc- ning production of pigments, on the uncertain future. While war ing, frequent hand wash, wearing titanium metal, plastics, aircraft impacts the economy of a Country, face masks in public, avoid spit- body parts, ceramics, welding waging war against an unseen ting, etc. electrodes, refractory bricks, threat strains the economy in leaps sand blasting, water jet cutting, & bounds. The Company joined abrasives, etc. Rare Earths are Self-help groups stitching hand with the Nation in its fight performance enhancing mate- masks against the COVID-19 by contrib- rial having number of niche ap- The local self help groups and uting Rs 1 (One) cr. to the Prime plications such as consumer women welfare society of the Minister’s Citizen Assistance & gadgets, electronics, renewable Housing Colony were activated Relief in Emergency Situations (PM energy, defence, space, pollution to stitch masks, which were in CARES) Fund from its CSR funds, control, petroleum refining, etc. short supply because of panic while the employees contributed a The Strategic Compounds pro- buying. The masks were distrib- day’s salary for the cause. duced by IREL find direct use in uted not only in the surrounding the Atomic Power Programme, Operations of the Company be- villages, but also in areas where Space and Defence Sectors of the ing in the Coastal areas which IREL does not have its footprint.

20 KaleidOscope May, 2020 ARTICLE

Distribution of food grains New Delhi; Ministry of Home were also scrupulously followed. The Quality Control department Affairs (MHA), New Delhi; Dep- The use of AarogyaSetuApp, swung into action to prepare artment of Atomic Energy (DAE) launched by the Government was hand sanitizers, which were pre- and also those of the local State widely publicized among all the pared in-house in accordance Govt. around the operating units. stakeholders of IREL. The lock- with the norms stipulated by During the period of Lockdown, down period was gainfully uti- WHO and widely distributed. IREL maintained roster for execu- lized towards skill development Packets of food items and other tives & non-executives to ensure of its employees. Employees essentials were distributed to skeleton manpower, implement- were encouraged to enrol for on- the needy public across all the ed concept of Work from Home line Skill Development courses operating units of the Company to keep up with the Business conducted by different agen- and also to the migrant workers Promise, carried out thorough dis- cies. Around 200 employees at- through the office of the District infection of work areas, monitored tended these programs and de- Administration. Under the clean- social distancing norms, etc. After veloped skillsets necessary for liness drive large scale sanitisation declaration of the exemptions multi-tasking. activities were carried out using granted for Mining and Mineral IREL’s Fire Tender in all the ad- Production activities vide circulars joining villages. The offices of dis- from MHA, New Delhi; Ministry trict administration like Offices of of Mines, New Delhi and DGMS, Collector, Superintend of Police, Dhanbad, IREL units approached Additional District Magistrate, the respective State/District au- Tehsildar, Police Stations, etc thorities for and resumed opera- were also sanitized by IREL. tions in a phased manner from the 1st week of April 2020. Sanitisation of local villages Helping hand was also extended Social distancing by to financial institutions such as lo- employees, temperature Leading from the front in the fight cal branches of SBI, Indian Bank, monitoring and SOPs against the Pandemic, the top LIC etc and Industrial houses under display Management of the Company con- in the vicinity such as SARAF Standard Operating Procedure nected with all the operating units Industries, which could resume (SOP) on 'Disinfection & Preven- using various communication operations thereafter. tion of COVID-19 at work places', channels like video conferencing, 'Mining Operations in COVID messages etc to keep up the mo- Sanitisation of SARAF Situation' and 'Resumption of rale and spirit of all the employ- Industries operations after lockdown' were ees. The various safety measures, IREL ensured meticulous imple- prepared and implemented in all facilities to employees reporting mentation of the various direc- the operating units. Further, the for work and keeping the produc- tives issued by Department of SOPs issued by statutory agencies tion process running are being Personnel & Training (DoPT), like DGMS, CPCB, KSPCB etc. monitored on a daily basis.

KaleidoKaleidoscope May, 2020 21 ARTICLE Halliburton v Vedanta: Performance bonds and COVID-19 Shourav Lahiri Barrister-at-law, Atkin chambers, London

Shourav Lahiri examines the interesting issues of law raised by the recent ad- in- terim injunction granted by the Indian courts against a call on performance bonds due to circumstances caused by COVID-19.

he New Delhi High Court application was lodged earlier submissions, the Court held issued an ad-interim this month, Halliburton was tech- that, in addition to fraud, Indian T(temporary) injunction nically in delay. law allowed a bond call to be restraining Vedanta from call- Halliburton asserted that its de- restrained if “special equities” ing performance bonds issued lay had been excused by the ex- could be shown. Treating the by Halliburton (Halliburton tension of time granted until 31 lockdown due to COVID-19 as Offshore Services v Vedanta March 2020, a matter that Vedanta “unprecedented, and .. incapable Limited (O.M.P. (I) (COMM) & disputed. On 18 and 25 March of having been predicted” by ei- I.A. 3697/2020). What is inter- 2020, shortly before Halliburton ther party, the court seemed to be esting about this decision, and took out its injunction applica- of the view that “special equities” one which raises as many ques- tion, and before the asserted had been established in the pres- tions as it answers, is that it was period of extension of time ex- ent case. based on the lockdown in India pired, Halliburton gave notice of At first blush, this decision may due to COVID-19 constituting force majeure to Vedanta based appear obvious. The COVID-19 a force majeure event excusing on the COVID-19 related lock- pandemic has caused serious Halliburton from having to con- down in India. disruption to the supply chain of tinue to perform its obligations Vedanta’s submission was that labour and materials. Halliburton during the period of lockdown. the only basis on which the court had argued that, as at 18 March The facts are these: Halliburton could interfere with the call was 2020, the date on which it gave was the drilling contractor for if the call was fraudulent, which Vedanta the force majeure notice, Vedanta on three onshore oil it was not. Vedanta’s submission only between 2.1% and 5.5% of and gas blocks in the state of was similar to what would be the the work remained to be com- Rajasthan in India. Under its position had the bonds been gov- pleted. Had it not been for the contract, Halliburton was sup- erned by English law, as set out lockdown, the works would have posed to have completed drill- in Edward Owen Engineering v been completed by 31 March ing of these wells by 16 January Barclays Bank [1978] Q.B. 159 and 2020. Given the circumstances, 2019, 16 March 2019 and 16 June in the cases following. a call on the performance bonds 2019 respectively. Therefore, The New Delhi High Court dis- seemed to be unjustified. by the time the injunction agreed. Adopting Halliburton’s But could it really be said to

22 KaleidOscope May, 2020 ARTICLE have been unjustified, in law? However, even while uphold- The Court’s decision throws up In the case of Halliburton, ing the ground of unconsciona- two particular questions that after it filed the injunction bility as the basis of restraint, it may also arise in other courts has not escaped the Singapore or jurisdictions that seek to application, Vedanta Court of Appeal that there is a follow the COVID-19 as a force terminated the contract. ‘perennial tension’ between the majeure theme in interfering with interests of the procurer and ben- bond calls. In situations where the eficiary of the bond (BS Mount contractor’s contract Sophia). Liquidity concerns, for instance, can apply equally to Irretrievable harm, has been terminated, it special equities and other the beneficiary of the bond who, grounds in addition to is often difficult for the for instance, may need funds to complete works left unfinished. It contractor to obtain an fraud is therefore in the rarest of cases First, the decision seems to buck extension of bonding that calls on bonds are restrained. the current trend of courts across facilities. We have seen jurisdictions that are seeking to The decision in Halliburton uphold the sanctity of contractual this in the English case v Vedanta seems to buck arrangements and tightening the grounds on which bond calls can of Liberty Mercian Ltd v that trend be restrained. It is well known Cuddy Civil Engineering If one examines the Court’s deci- that certain jurisdictions outside sion as to why an event of force of English law have been open Ltd and another (No 2) majeure affecting the underlying to grounds for restraining bond [2014] EWHC 3584 (TCC) drilling contract was able to af- calls on grounds that fall short of fect a distinct contract involving a fraud. For instance, in Singapore, where the contractor’s third- party bank (i.e. the perfor- unconscionability – held to mean inability to obtain a mance bonds), one can see analy- abuse, unfairness, and dishones- sis that starts by relying on a US ty, being broader than the notion performance bond court authority from 1983 (Itek of fraud (BS Mount Sophia Pte because the underlying Corporation v. First National Ltd v Join-Am Pte Ltd [2012] 3 Bank of Boston 566 Fed Supp contract had been SLR 352) – is a ground commonly 1210 (“Itek”)) and construes the cited in injunction applications to terminated led the court test of irreparable/irretrievable restrain calls on bonds. This sub- harm used to justify the grant of to have to order the mission has become so common- an injunction in Itek to fall within the concept of “special equities” place that beneficiaries of bonds contractor to pay money under Indian law justifying the have started to draft contractual into the court in lieu of grant of a restraint (though the provisions that preclude the pro- Court also goes on to hold that curer of the bonds from relying the performance bond. the ground of “special equities” is on unconscionability as a basis a basis that is additional to fraud for injunctions against bond calls. and occurrence of irretrievable Such provisions have been test- injury on which a call could be ed in the Singapore courts and merit (Bintai Kindenko Pte Ltd v restrained). found to be valid (CKR Contract Samsung C&T Corp and another Services Pte Ltd v Asplenium [2019] 2 SLR 295). As far as one is able to tell from Land Pte Ltd [2015] 3 SLR 1041) Therefore, even in jurisdictions the Court’s summary of the facts with dicta in a recent Court of that had previously broadened in Halliburton v Vedanta, the con- Appeal decision indicating that the grounds for interfering with ditions seem to be different from any argument that such clauses bond calls, one sees a drawing- those that existed in Itek. In Itek, fall foul of the Unfair Contract back. An on-demand bond has a US exporter sought to terminate Terms Act would also have no been said to be ‘as good as cash’. its liability under stand-by letters

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 23 ARTICLE

further basis for courts to inter- fere with financial instruments is a matter that merits consideration and debate. That this is a somewhat tricky question has perhaps been recog- nised in Singapore. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Singapore parliament enacted certain “temporary measures” under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020. In introduc- ing the Bill that led to the Act, the Minister of Law openly admitted that Parliament was interfering with the freedom of contract on of credit issued by a US Bank submission – at least at the ad- an exceptional basis because such in favour of an Iranian Bank. interim stage. interference was justified by the Following the Iranian revolution, Secondly, the Court in Hallib- current circumstances. One of the the US Government had blocked urton v Vedanta accepted that measures is to prevent the ben- all Iranian assets under the juris- the circumstances in Itek were eficiary of a performance bond diction of the United States and “exceptional circumstances wh- from making a call on the bond cancelled export contracts. The ich [made] it impossible for the until at least seven days before US court took the view that any guarantor to reimburse himself the performance bond expires if claim for damages against an if he ultimately succeeds” and the default prompting the call is Iranian purchaser arising from that “a mere apprehension that materially caused by COVID-19 a fraudulent draw-down of the the other party will not be able (section 6 of the Act). A legislative letters of credit would not be to pay, is not enough”. There imprimatur, particularly one that executable in Iran given these is temporary for the duration that circumstances, and therefore al- does not seem to been a similar submission by Halliburton as to the effects of COVID-19 are felt, lowing encashment of the bank seems to a convenient route for guarantee/letters of credit would Vedanta’s ability to repay. Yet, the Court took the view that if no jurisdictions to achieve a balanc- cause irreparable harm to the ing of interests without having to plaintiff. The court therefore re- interim protection was granted, and the bank guarantees were shape existing legal principle in strained the call. order to do justice. allowed to be encashed while There seem to be two dif- the lockdown was in place, “the injury and prejudice that would Expiration of validity of ferences between Itek and result to the petitioner merits be- performance bonds Halliburton v Vedanta ing categorised as irretrievable”. The second interesting issue First, in Itek, there had been Perhaps, these arguments may be that the Halliburton v Vedanta a prior finding of fraud in the examined more closely when the decision raises is the question making of the call, and there- matter returns before the Court of what would happen to an in- fore the examination of whether for a fuller hearing on whether junction against a bond call that there would be irreparable dam- the injunction should be made lasts for the period of a lockdown age were the injunction not to more permanent pending the if the lockdown is extended be- be granted was based on that outcome of the arbitration. prior finding. While there was a yond the period of validity of the submission by Halliburton that There is no doubt that the current bond. Vedanta’s call was also fraudu- COVID-19 pandemic is an ex- In Halliburton v Vedanta, the lent, the Court does not seem ceptional and deeply disruptive Court has currently granted an to have been persuaded by that event. But whether it provides a injunction for a period that ends

24 KaleidOscope May, 2020 ARTICLE seven days after the end of the lockdown. Five of the eight per- formance bonds that were the subject of a call in Halliburton v Vedanta will expire on 30 June 2020. While there is still some gap between the end of the period of injunction and the expiration of some of the bonds, what would happen were the lockdown to be extended by a period that ended after the date of expiry of the bonds? Would the balance of convenience at that stage shift in favour of the beneficiary being allowed to proceed with the call to protect its interests because not So, we could encounter a situ- made if there was a risk that the allowing a call would cause irrep- ation, either in Halliburton v beneficiary would not be good arable damage to the beneficiary Vedanta or in future lockdown- for the money if it were required instead? related injunction cases, where to repay in due course. This In practice, a threat of a call be- the “special equities” may change risk does not seem to have cause of an imminent expiry of depending on the interaction been argued to exist in Halliburton a bond is often met with an of- of the period of lockdown and v Vedanta. fer by the party procuring the the expiry of the bond. Again, The ad-interim injunction issued bond to extend the validity of the this is an area expressly dealt by the Court will stay in force bond. This is a sensible approach with by Singapore’s COVID-19 until the next hearing. It will be and causes the least disruption (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 interesting to see how the Court and cost to both the procurer of that provides that the period of deals with this issue on fuller the bond and the beneficiary. validity of any bond that would submissions at that stage. However, this approach assumes otherwise expire during the pe- that the procurer is able to obtain riod that the Act prohibits a call Dealing with the impact an extension of the bond. from being made, will be auto- of COVID-19 matically extended (upon ap- In the case of Halliburton, after it COVID-19 and the resultant im- filed the injunction application, plication by the procurer) to a pact on contractual performance Vedanta terminated the contract. period ending seven days after is a hot topic across legal circles In situations where the contrac- the prohibition is lifted (section across the world. Issues affecting tor’s contract has been terminat- 6 of the Act). Such ‘deeming’ contractors and employers who ed, it is often difficult for the con- provision does away with the are dealing with COVID-19 re- tractor to obtain an extension of uncertainty as to whether the lated disruptions under English bonding facilities. We have seen bank providing the bond would and Hong Kong law have been this in the English case of Liberty agree to an extension, and on the subject of an excellent article Mercian Ltd v Cuddy Civil Engi- what terms. by two of my fellow members of neering Ltd and another (No 2) Of course, it would be open Chambers Andrew Goddard QC [2014] EWHC 3584 (TCC) where for a court facing a call on the the contractor’s inability to obtain and Mischa Balen. bond whose expiration is immi- a performance bond because the The injunction application in nent to order that the bank hon- underlying contract had been ter- Halliburton was heard by the our the call but hold the funds minated led the court to have to New Delhi court by video confer- with itself pending final resolu- order the contractor to pay mon- ence, something that is becoming tion of the dispute. But that sort ey into the court in lieu of the per- increasingly common during this of order would probably only be formance bond. lockdown period.

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 25 ARTICLE Economy and Me – Covid-19

(Prof.) Dr. Dewakar Goel* Sneha Viresh Bagdiya Acclaimed Writer Social Activist

is for corona, C is for com- huge concerns over economic ill Aviation Industry is the worse merce. We are witnessing health and its recovery are crop- hit. Especially when India was Chow one C has got the ping up. No one knows what more so ambitious going leap and other in sheer crisis. Covid-19 this pandemic has in store; head bound, about 23% growth soar- has changed the world of com- to tail efforts are overcome with ing in the sky to reach zenith in merce. Since the great depression least possible damage. When we domestic and 3rd in International of the 1930’s, this year has marked talk about the upsetting impact sector after China and US, this a shattering irrecoverable loss on Public Sector Undertakings sector today is awfully bruised. of humankind and catastrophic of our nation, especially when Aviation losses are adding to the collapse of the economy, due our government plays a major tune of Rs. 8,200 crores and grow- to the drastic failure of human role in the infrastructure, tech- ing. A simple “Passenger Ticket” smugness over nature. What we nology, aviation, Public Sector is the main source of income be- have been seeing is just the tip of plays an extremely crucial role. side non aeronautical income the iceberg, how bad it has al- Of course there is one significant that comes from aviation indus- ready been, still remains to be difference; today technology has try. Airports across the world seen. The International Monetary come to the rescue letting many are shut. Internationally, it is Fund says for the first time in people around the world work about 50-60% but India has about last six decades, Asian econo- from their homes. Industries that 30-35% comes from non aeronau- mies may observe zero growth. are highly technical in nature can tical sources. Ninety percent of the coun- pull “Work from HOME”, but in This entire revenue is gone. tries shall experience a negative a country like India, how much Most of the airlines in here have growth in real gross domestic administration work can be done taken the aircrafts on wet or product per head this year. The from home? Barely 15-20% share dry lease, how do we stop them global output could even be about of nationwide. At the grassroots from going into bankruptcy like 8-9 % below the baseline in 2021. level, India survives on people. Kingfisher and Jet? Air – India One little virus has deposed all Economy cannot sustain without which is a government sec- our superciliousness. This pan- ME and when people are locked tor already bearing Rs.1000 – demic hit India when its econo- in, financial system trembles. 2000 crore loss may sustain this my was flagging due to continual Worse hit sectors are Aviation, shutdown, but what about the fiscal sector frailty. Economists Hospitality, Tourism, Retail, staff? A huge number of peo- are already losing hope of a V Shipping to name a few. Be it ple are employed in the avia- shaped upsurge post lockdown. public or private both are worse tion industry right from pilots Instead, with countless efforts & hit or a principal employer, there to airhostesses to ground staff sacrifices, it could sustain an L are so many compliances that to technical teams. If we keep shaped recovery. need to be done PF, ESI, GST, ev- a few lac pilots aside having While we are saving the mankind, erything looks frozen. good amount of salary in their

* Former ED, AAI & Director, Indian Aviation Academy Chairman, Aero Academy of Aviation Science & Management (AAASM).

26 KaleidOscope May, 2020 ARTICLE

Storing of fuel being a graving concern, where will the crude oil go? Coming to the heavy industry, Steel or Power sector, all are affected. Power consumption has gone down since most of the units are closed. When we talk about public sector, a number of companies are inter-dependent. What will happen to the expan- sion plans of NBCC, multiple numbers of projects in hand? SBI had given about Rs. 26,000 crores to NHAI (National Highway Authority of India), corpuses to sustain this lock come to India because the growth for infrastructure, road construc- down, what about the count- was tremendous. Boeing tion, national highways in the less airhostesses and ground and Airbus had plans to sell making, everything has stopped. handling staff with an average aircrafts, what will happen to Numerous losses are not just 5 digit salary? Not just the air- that? Now everything sudden- to the public sector of central port staff, numerous workers ly has come to a standstill post government, but also to the state today are on contract basis. If lockdown, the future of avia- government undertakings. Look at an airport about 11-12 agen- tion is hazy. One can’t take work at the steel plants of the coun- cies work, about 50-60% is con- from home from the flying peo- try, Steel Authority of India. tract labour be it taxi, trolley ple in this sector. Wherever pas- Zero consumption instigates fail- operators, shops, parking lot senger facilitation is concerned, ure of the entire supply chain. people. Where will they go? How robots can’t replace the human This contagion will impact not are the airlines going to pay touch. Sadly, losses in the avia- only manufacturing, but ev- for all of them? Airports Authority tion industry may take years to ery process and service. Entire of India, the biggest organisation, come to normalcy. coal production has stopped, Helicopter Corporation, govern- In the Oil industry, apart from Coal India employs about 3 lac ment undertakings may be able public undertakings we have people, about 15 lacs would be to compensate, but the question opened license to ESSAR, Reli- contract labour, and how will is for how long? We were going ance and other people in pri- they endure this shock? Take in a big way to outsource about vate sector besides Hindustan another sector, shipping. About 60-70% to cut short manpow- Petroleum, Indian Oil and Bharat 93% cargo movement is done er, but that has gone in private Petroleum. When movement by the ships across the world, hands, that too are affected. is locked, entire supply chain, India having its own share. How the management will be entire logistics is at a standstill. No movement, no money. done about the projects of India, Fuel pumps have closed due to Productivity loss is unimagi- when 150 regional connectiv- negligible consumption of fuel nable, when fuel is not sold, ity airports were to come up in on vehicles in transportation buildings are not constructed, the country, what will happen sector. This doesn’t end here; airlines are not running, retail to that? Money is already in the oil industry is also one of the sector is shut entirely. This co- pipeline for the construction, biggest sufferers because right rona virus has paralyzed the modernisation of airports, etc. from their plans for refineries to world and economic loss is My heart beats for the expansion marketing activities to storage enormous. Countless proj- plans in this sector, about 1000 air- and consumption, everything is ects were in pipeline, money crafts orders were pending in pri- at a halt. Private sector had invest- has already been allotted, we vate airlines and other sources to ed a lot of money for expansion. can’t imagine what amount of

KaleidoKaleidoscope May, 2020 27 ARTICLE monetary loss every day we 2020, now crippled again. The government has left are doing away with. Covid-19 Automobile sector is amongst is eating away a meal of no stone unturned to do the heavily burnt lot, with not whopping Rs.40,000 cr ev- just drastic cut in employment eryday from the India’s eco- whatever best possible to due to low sales, but also due to nomic platter. But I feel, steel curb this virus and stabilize the lowered spending capacity will have better days in India pre and post lockdown. the economy. Banks will ahead. Manufacturing here will Recovery looks to start with ser- increase because it will be a now have more genuine vices, moving to manufacturing. more preferred destination than First thing would be to organise borrowers than NPA’s. Aim China for the world market. the supply chain. With slow con- Impact is worse on public is to keep financial systems sumption post lockdown, it will sector enterprises undeniably, start taking shape. A tougher sound, so that it can flow because of the better labour aspect is, when the production law compliance, besides the across the pyramid, from will resume, how will we replace motto being social welfare along the migrant labourers who have with profit compared to private top to lowest level. RBI gone back? After suffering worse, sector, where the sole motto is Governor has cut the reverse many left to die, treading to their profit. Tourism, which accounts homes post countless efforts, will for about 10% of India’s GDP repo rate to 3.75% from they return this easy and quick? It is starving. Even in the private 4%, also Rs. 50,000 crore is depressing, but a major portion sector or individual businesses, of people won’t return to metros be it hospitality, retail sector, LTRO has been announced, in search of work. No wonder, many industries may shift to tourism, all are shattered. our finance minister has Hospitality is about to lose smaller pockets soon. Rs.30,000 crore revenue, 15-20 assured every possible relief The government has left no lac job loss, how will we come but since we are a hundred stone unturned to do whatever up with all this? Hospitality best possible to curb this virus will witness continued decline, million plus population, the and stabilize the economy. Banks since people’s will, will decline question is for how long can will now have more genuine bor- to tour and travel, not just rowers than NPA’s. Aim is to because of the recent fear fall, we sustain? How much can keep financial systems sound, but also because many have had so that it can flow across the the private players, public a long holiday break at home pyramid, from top to lowest and many will have sheer stress sector undertakings and level. RBI Governor has cut on resources. For the retail in- the reverse repo rate to 3.75% the government uphold dustry, be it jewellery or cloth- from 4%, also Rs. 50,000 crore ing, March, April, May were the in a scenario when no one LTRO has been announced, our main seasons. The entire wed- finance minister has assured ding season of about Rs. 10000 knows, how long will it take every possible relief but since crore has failed for the textile to contain and what impact we are a hundred million plus market. The stocks were piled population, the question is for up for the wedding season, await- it will make? how long can we sustain? How ing hordes of customers, not much can the private players, knowing a complete shutdown. public sector undertakings and Economic shock means millions time when the nation needs to the government uphold in a of losses at every individual save, on every resource. Globally, scenario when no one knows, level. Think of the billions of stock markets have crashed how long will it take to contain daily wagers, small entrepre- by a third or more, real estate and what impact it will make? neurs, or self employed lot, on its last legs was hoping Especially when people are service agencies. This is the to stand back on its feet in not mending their ways, a large

28 KaleidOscope May, 2020 ARTICLE number of Indians are unedu- On a lighter note, let us see the positive side with this poetry! cated, unaware; we can’t imag- Planet Says, Slay No More, Let Me Detox, to the Core! ine how many small pockets have suffered. It was the urban Think on your Sin, India that got the virus and trans- mitted it. Sadly, it has gone to the Since you logged IN, lower strata of the society, mak- What knocked me OUT, ing situation worse. Why I Logged OUT? One or two month lockdown hasn’t impacted one quarter, Technology no matter, at its best, but a couple of years ahead. Fails in a go, when I seek to test, Apart from economy, or mate- So much you staked for your need, rialistic loss, it is the human life itself that is affected. Today, ani- So much you faked for your greed, mals are free and humans are Now when I locked you indoors, caged. When the air is pure, we Nature has found a space to breathe! are on masks! This shows how bad we have treated our nature. While finding ways to deal with this, To find a solution to this is not Mankind has evolved above differences, easy. We don’t see any change for a bounce back in the near future. This is probably how I could heal, Not until a couple of years. Facts Your barriers are, now unsealed! and figures will be more gruelling with every passing day, due to Let me also rest a little, multiple factors. About two third You take a break too, economic losses will be indirect, Stop being slaves to materialism, apart from loss of life. Economic instability, survival issues, col- For yours, and my sake too, lapsing healthcare systems, is Indulge in things you left behind, sure to increase the pressure we It is time, you unfurl and unwind! are taking today. But imagine! We still are in the I’ll nurture again, once I detox myself, comfort of our homes. No matter Don’t trash me down to bits again, we slept in one world and got up in a changed one, this is not a ca- TAKE CARE OF HOW YOU LIVE IN IT, lamity that has devastated every- Don’t force me to call it Quits again! thing for a new start. This is just a pause. Entire world economy has - Dr. Dewaker Goel (Ex. Executive Director, Airports Authority of India) & come to a standstill to handle a Sneha Viresh Bagdiya (Acclaimed Writer, Social Activist) few lac infected people and curb the virus, imagine if we place economy on a higher priority, world will collapse. We are ab- hours, no increment year, set- unwind. This is the time to evolve solutely unfit to handle any geo- ting high targets, collective ef- above human barriers. We will metric rise of positive cases. This forts by one and all, we shall rise. overcome, and this too shall pass is not the time to panic. Though This experience is a big lesson to away! No matter human kind and economy seems on its last legs, learn where we are heading in the economy has suffered tremen- we will heal. We hope, the public age of artificial intelligence, how dously, we can’t overlook the fact sector enterprises will overcome much can we depend on technol- that if it gets worse, mankind will this setback every possible way. ogy, over nature? One positive collapse. Staying IN, is the ONLY Increasing number of working aspect is humans have got time to way OUT!

KaleidoKaleidoscope May, 2020 29 ARTICLE Evolution of Labour Laws & Reforms in Indian Context S. A. Khan GGM (Corp. Affairs), SCOPE

he labour movement has 1936, The Industrial Employment by Dr. S. P. Gupta, Member been instrumental in the (Standing Orders) Act, 1946 and Planning Commission in his enacting of laws protect- The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 report titled 'Task Force on T th ing labour rights in the 19 and were enacted. Employment Opportunities- th 20 centuries. Labour rights have • After independence in the year 2001' in the following words: been integral to the social and 1947, a number of new labour 'Indian Labour Laws have evol- economic development since the laws were added by the Central ved in such a manner which industrial revolution. The need Government for the welfare of has greatly reduced the flex- for Labour law arose due to the labour and providing a measure ibility available to employers demands of workers for better of social security to them. As la- to adjust the labour force in conditions, the right to organize, bour falls in the Concurrent List the light of changing economic and the simultaneous demands of in the Constitution of India, the circumstances.' employers to restrict the powers State Governments also passed of workers in many organizations number of labour laws. • The Task Force under the and to keep labour costs low. Chairmanship of Dr. Mopntek • Though the intention to pro- Singh Ahluwalia, then Dy. International Labour Organisa- vide relief to the working class Chairman of Planning Commi- tion (ILO) was one of the first was well intentioned and also ssion, also suggested some organisations to deal with labour justified by the ‘socialist ideol- reforms in the July, 2001. issues. The ILO was established ogy’ then ruling in the world, In February, 2001, the then as an agency of the League of the difficulties faced by the em- Finance Minister, Mr. Jaswant Nations following the Treaty of ployers in complying with mul- Sinha, outlined in his Budget Versailles, which ended World titude of labour laws were not Speech some labour reforms War I. Post‐war reconstruction taken into consideration as the proposing to raise the limit of and the protection of labour working class had undergone 100 to 1000 workmen for the unions occupied the attention of serious exploitation during the coverage of an undertaking un- many nations during and imme- British Raj. der Chapter VB of the Industrial diately after World War I. • But increasing globalization Disputes Act and for relaxing With the establishment of the made things rather difficult for some of the provisions of the International Labour Organiza- the employers to face competi- Contract Labour (R& A) Act, tion (I.L.O.) in the year 1919 after tion from other countries and 1970 by permitting employ- the conclusion of the First World they started crying for change ers to allow managements to War, number of labour laws, such and the need to reduce the ri- engage contract labour in non- as the Workmen’s Compensation gidities of the ever increasing core activities. But his Budget Act, 1923 (since re-named as the number of labour laws in the Speech evoked such a strong Employee’s Compensation Act in country. With the turn of the reaction from all the Central the year 2009), Trade Union Act, century, the need for reforms Trade Union Organizations 1926, The Payment of Wages Act, in Labour Laws was explained that the proposals made by

30 KaleidOscope May, 2020 ARTICLE

him were not pursued by the Government. • It may be mentioned that even prior to that, the National Labour Law Association, a society of professional in the field of labour laws under the Chairmanship of Shri T. S. Shankaran, retired Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, had submitted its re- port titled 'Draft Labour Code' to the Ministry of Labour in the eighties and suggested that the various labour laws could be compressed into five functional to different people. Industry - Industrial Relations; codes; wants hire and fire, though - Wages; - Industrial Relations.; they may not couch it in so - Social Security; - Wages ; many words. Trade Unions - Safety and working conditions; want status quo to be adhered - Working Conditions and safety; to. Where is the question of any - Welfare of Workers. - Social Security; and reforms, they ask, in a coun- - Labour Welfare. try where payment of wages • The Commission further sug- cannot be ensured, and where gested that for coverage, the • The Ministry of Labour in child/bonded labour cannot criteria and thresh-hold limit its Note On Making Labour be eliminated? Industry points for the organized sector should Market Flexible; Suggestions out that trade unions represent be minimum employment of for Consideration-2005 looked only 7% of the work force, trade 20 persons. For establishments at the issues of labour reforms unions counter that industry employing less than 20 work- as under: 'Within the next de- represents only itself. Basically, ers, there should be a separate cade, half of India’s unem- both are protecting their own composite law providing for ployed will be its educated turf. Sadly, nobody is talking to registration, safety, health, wel- youth. If one-half of India’s the youth of the country, whose fare of workers, hours of work, population is under 25, India future is at stake. Of course, leave, wages, bonus, etc. (Paras simply needs to double its everybody should get a per- 6.11, 6.17, 6.28 and 106).. employment. THE BPO/IT in- manent job, but where are the • The Commission also recom- dustry generates a mere 0.2% jobs?' mended that the maximum of employment. Employment wage for definition of workman growth and opportunity will, • The Second National Labour should be Rs. 25,000/- p.m., uni- therefore, come only as the Commission, set up in 1999 un- formly for all the labour laws Indian economy expands. It der the Chairmanship of Shri and that supervisors should means that India ought to re- Ravinder Verma, submitted its also be kept out of the definition move the difficulties that have report in June, 2002 and made of ‘worker’ and clubbed with held back the manufacturing some very important, compre- managerial and administrative and service industries.' hensive and authoritative rec- ommendations in the area of employees.(Para 6.19). There • It was further stated in the labour law reforms. The report should be single definition of above NOTE as under: 'Why recommended that the existing 'appropriate Government' ap- are labour reforms so difficult body of labour laws should be plicable to all labour laws. in India? Because labour re- re-grouped in four or five areas • To provide for minimum level forms mean different things pertaining to- of protection to the managerial

KaleidoKaleidoscope May, 2020 31 ARTICLE

because Rules to effectuate the said Code have yet to be final- ized. After the same are noti- fied by the Central Government and come into force, the Code on Wages will subsume the fol- lowing existing labour laws:- - The Payment of Wages Act, 1936; - The Minimum Wages Act, 1948; - The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965; and - The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976. and other excluded employ- as critical issues pertaining to • The other three Codes, which ees against unfair dismissal the Contract Labour (R& A) are said to be at an advanced or removals, the Commission Act, 1970 and the Industrial stage of finalization, are expect- recommended adjudication Disputes Act, 1947 were not ed to subsume the following la- by Labour Courts or Labour touched. In a way, it can be bour laws: Relations Commission or ar- safely stated that there was vir- bitration by mutually accept- tually no progress in the matter The Code on Occupational Safety, able umpires. (Para 6.22). It of labour reforms in the coun- Health and Working Conditions. further recommended that all try. Addressing an audience - The Factories Act, 1948; complaints or claims under the of CEOs that cited inflexible - The Mines Act, 1952; law on labour relations should labour laws as one of the hur- have a limitation of one year dles in making India as a more - The Dock Workers(Safety, from the date of occurrence of attractive investment destina- Health and Welfare) Act, 1986; the cause of action (Para 6.96) tion, the then Prime Minister, - The Building and Other and all offense under the la- Dr. Manmohan Singh, stated Construction Workers bour laws must be made tri- thus on 13.3.2007:- (Regulation of Employment able by the Labour Courts duly and Conditions of Service) Act, empowered for this purpose. 'The labour market needs to be 1996; The setting up of an All India made more efficient, although I - The Plantations Labour Act, feel the problem is over empha- Labour Judicial Service was 1951; also recommended. sized. Ninety percent of India’s labour force is in the unorganized - The Contract Labour • Some amendments were made sector and this sector is not con- (Regulation and Abolition)Act, to Workmen’s Compensation strained by unwieldy laws.' 1970 Act, 1923 in the year 2009 - The Inter-State Migrant and its long title changed as • It was on the historic workmen (Regulation of Employee’s Compensation Act Independence Day on 15.8.2015 Employment and Conditions and minimum rates of compen- that Shri Narender Modi, Prime of Service) Act, 1979. sation payable were enhanced. Minister, announced that 44 Amendments were also made Central labour laws in the coun- - The Working Journalists and to the Trade Union Act, 1926 re- try would be compressed into other News Paper Employees garding the minimum number four Labour Codes. As a sequel, (Conditions of Service and of workers required for regis- The Code on Wages has already Misc. Provision) Act, 1955 tration of a trade union under been passed by the Parliament - The Working Journalist the Act, but these were not on 8th August, 2019 though it (Fixation of rates of wages) seen as of much consequence has not yet become operational Act, 1958

32 KaleidOscope May, 2020 ARTICLE

- The Motor Transport Workers For instance, the burden of Act, 1961 The labour movement proof that a workman was em- - Sales Promotion Employees has been instrumental ployed after his termination (Condition of Service) was placed on the employers. in the enacting of laws Act, 1976 But in the case of Municipal Council, Sujanpur [2006 (5) - The Beedi and Cigar protecting labour rights in SCC-173 = 2006-LLR-662] it was Workers(Conditions of th th the 19 and 20 centuries. held by the Supreme Court that Employment) Act, 1966. Labour rights have been this fact being within the per- - The Cine Workers and Cinema sonal knowledge of the work- Theatre Workers Act, 1981. integral to the social and man, he has to prove his un- employment. Similarly, vide economic development The Code on Industrial Relations the historic judgement in the case of S.A.I.L. V/s. National - The Trade Union Act, 1926; since the industrial Union Water Front Workers & - The Industrial Employment revolution. The need for Ors. [AIR-2001-SC-3527= 2001- (Standing Orders) Act, 1946; Labour law arose due to SCC (7)-1], it was held by the - The Industrial Disputes Constitution Bench that on abo- Act, 1947; the demands of workers lition of contract labour system - The Code on Social Security. for better conditions, the by the appropriate Government under Section 10 of the Contract - The Employee’s right to organize, and the Labour (R&A) Act, the contract Compensation Act, 1923; labour have no automatic right simultaneous demands - The Employees’ State of absorption by the Principal Insurance Act, 1948; of employers to restrict Employer. Many more such - The Employees’ Provident judgements can be quoted, but the powers of workers Funds & Miscellaneous it is not necessary to multiply the same for the purpose of this - Provisions Act, 1952; in many organizations study. - The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 and to keep labour costs • It would be thus clear from the - The Payment of Gratuity low. International Labour above analysis that difficulties Act, 1972; experienced by the employ- Organisa-tion (ILO) was one - Unorganized Workers Social ers, both in public and private Security Act, 2008. of the first organisations to sector, in complying with the multifarious labour laws in the • As the taste of pudding is said deal with labour issues. country, including those en- to be in its eating only and as acted by the State Governments all the Codes have yet to come did not receive due consider- into force and become opera- seriously by the present gov- ation and attention for long. As tional, it would therefore be ernment and brought to near a sequel, not only the issue of la- rather premature and unfair at completion, alone deserves to bour reforms has remained in a this stage to make any value be applauded as a welcome dormant state for long, growth judgement on the exercise un- step in the right direction. of industry to meet the needs of dertaken by the Ministry of • Before concluding, the role of teeming millions of our people Labour, Government of India. higher judiciary, and more par- also could not be accelerated But the mere fact that the issue ticularly of the Supreme Court, and has remained sluggish. of rationalization, simplifica- in reducing, to a certain extent, However, with the dynamic tion and Codification of labour the rigors of the labour laws, leadership now in command at laws, which was hanging fire notwithstanding prolonged in- the Centre, industry can very and pending for decades, has action by the Government, must much hope to see light at the been taken up vigorously and be noted and acknowledged. end of the tunnel soon.

KaleidoKaleidoscope May, 2020 33 ARTICLE Working of Startups in India: Need to Review

Pramod Kr. Sinha

omentum of startups Stakeholders, numbers are not calls for high degree of efficiency was peaking up in 2014 very high. amongst the implementers & key when the country could Stakeholders engaged in devel- M When Prime Minister, Narendra see Startup Wave with million dol- opment processes and strength- Modi conveys, 'We look forward lar ideas & innovative solutions to ening Startup Mission. to making India a $10-trillion many problems. Recognizing the economy. We look forward to Some of the key programs, fund- importance of Startups in build- making India the third-largest ing agencies helping the Start-ups ing Indian Economy, the Hon’ble economy. We want to make India and SMEs at different stage of Prime Minister launched Startup a place for start-ups. We want to their life cycle are:- India Scheme in 2016 to promote give our people energy security. • Scheme for Promoting the Startups of the nation. We want to reduce our import Innovation, Rural Industry & Startup India is a flagship initia- dependence. We want to make Entrepreneurship (ASPIRE), tive of the Government of India, India the world leader in electric • ‘Fund of Funds’ intended to catalyze startup cul- vehicles and energy storage de- ture and build a strong, inclusive vices'- Economic Times Global • Micro Units Development ecosystem for innovation and en- Business Summit 2019. It infus- Refinance Agency (MUDRA) trepreneurship and transforming es confidence to all and gives a Bank India into a country of job creators challenge to see that such aspi- • Prime Minister's Employment instead of job seekers. For provid- rations are transformed into ac- Generation Programme ing fund support to Startups, the tionable deliveries by respective (PMEGP), Government has created a ‘Fund Nodal Agencies and each and of Funds for Startups’ (FFS) at every Stakeholder involved and • Credit Guarantee Fund Small Industries Development engaged. Scheme for Micro and Small Bank of India (SIDBI) with a cor- Enterprises (CGS) Successive annual budgets & an- pus of INR 10,000 Crore. nouncements have kept Startups • Ministry of Skill While government has been en- and MSMEs in priority areas. The Development and deavoring to support Startups recent announcement of 20 Lac Entrepreneurship by creating avenues of funding Crore economic bonanzas further • Atal Innovation Mission and other supports, nevertheless substantiates the intention of the • Electronic Government to Startups in India are yet to suc- government amidst COVID crisis. Business (G2B) Portal, eBiz ceed with pace, presence and in The diverse ecosystem responds Portal numbers it was expected. There dynamically to the vicissitudes are success stories delighting the faced by the Indian markets and • Dairy Processing and

Management Expert & Social Development Volunteer Formerly served PSU, DPE, GoI & 100 Fortune Company and Presently with SCOPE

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Infrastructure Development healthcare in schools and clinics Fund (DIDF) “We want to make India a and have proven to very success- ful. Zomato, with funding of $ • Support for International place for start-ups.” 755.6 Million is one of the most Patent Protection in – Prime Minister of India well known startups and suc- Electronics and Information cessful food tech in India that has Technology (SIP-EIT) turned into an international busi- • Multiplier Grants Scheme funds have raised a corpus fund ness. Paytm with funding of $ 2.2 (MGS) of ` 25,728 Cr. ` 736.76 Cr. have Billion is very successful startup • Credit Guarantee Scheme for been drawn from the FFS and ` & is a payment service dominat- Start-Ups (CGSS) 2,793.93 Cr. have been invested ing all over India. FreshToHome with current funding of $ 13 into 285 startups. • Software Technology Park Million, a delivery service that (STP) Scheme If data and progress is to be ana- focuses on meat and fish has ex- lyzed, less than 10% of 393,344 • Venture Capital Assistance panded to 20 cities. Similarly, (VCA) Scheme Users on Startup India Portal are FreshMenu with funding of $ 24.2 recognized by DPIIT, just 31,725. Million is another food delivery • Loan for Roof Top Solar Pv In terms of employment as on 31st service growing exponentially. Power Projects March 2020, as informed by the There are many other Startups • NewGen Innovation Hon’ble Commerce and Industry that infuse confidence in Startup and Entrepreneurship Minister in a written reply in Ecosystem with their successes. Development Centre (NewGen the Lok Sabha, 3,37,335 employ- IEDC) ment by 27,137 DPIIT recognized Journey of Foreign startups. • Single Point Registration Nationals in India Scheme (SPRS) NASSCOM reported that Startups Interestingly, a host of foreign in India saw a 108% growth in nationals are relocating to India • Modified Special Incentive total funding from USD two bil- to fulfill their startup ambitions Package Scheme (M-SIPS) lion in 2017 to USD 4.2 billion in tech sector, despite stumbling • Stand Up India Scheme: bank in 2018, however, decline in fund- blocks. Some of them have even loans to atleast one sched- ing for companies at the seed settled here. This can enhance uled caste (SC) or Scheduled stage from USD 191 million in India’s global perspective. Mr. Tribe, borrower and atleast 2017 to USD 151 million in 2018. Jose Leon runs a medical trans- one Women per bank branch The gap between overall fund- portation startup StanPlus an for setting up a Greenfield ing & seed funding also needs at- Uber for ambulances, with his Enterprise. tention if Startups are to be sup- INSEAD batchmate Prabhdeep ported when they look for more of Singh. Investors like Nakkyun These schemes provides eligi- seed money. Chome, from South Korea, failed ble Start-ups financial benefits, in his e-grocery Startup in India Income Tax benefits, Registration Progressive Journey of moved to a market place for gift benefits, availing Government Indian Startups vouchers giftiicon and could net $ Tenders and use of networking 1 Million in seed funding. British opportunities. Indian Startup Ecosystem is wit- nessing many successes, to quote entrepreneur Lizzie Chapman is running a Fin-Tech Company Data & Progress of Startup: a few, Wow! Momo, a food chain with funding of $470 Million with called Zest Money in Bengaluru In the backdrop of branches in Delhi, Chennai, Kochi whereas Skeve Hardgrave from National Vision besides other places. Ola Cabs US could raise $ 75 Million in As on 22nd December 2019, SIDBI with funding of $3.80 Billion. funding to grow Edu-tech Startup has committed ` 3123.20 Cr to AddressHealth, with $1.50 Varthana to offer services to im- 47 SEBI registered Alternative Million causing a storm in the in- prove access to provide school Investment Funds (AIFs). These dustry with focus on providing education in India.

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 35 ARTICLE

Challenges ahead Possible Solutions people to dream. Whiles there are success stories The Indian Ecosystem is witness- As could be observed, Startups of foreign nationals run Startups, ing both successful and early make mistake in focusing too there are challenges as well failure case. These challenges of much on the product and tech- faced by these foreigners in India Startups, with capacity to change nology, but fail on the market- with the taxes, lack of institu- the face of the Country if made suc- ing front and in turn, makes it tional support and especially cessful, influenced to understand difficult to get customers. Youths when someone is women. As co- the views of key Stakeholders, and emerging startups should be founder of StanPlus, Mr. Singh Academicians, Venture Capitals, smart learner. As we know, SMEs has to say, the country needs Women Leaders & Entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in growth of more diversity in the people cre- and Development Practitioners the country, contribution to GDP, ating new age companies in order throw light on close perspective Exchequer, Export and also in to bring fresh prospective and of functioning of Startups, modus making the country self reliant work ethics, which could raise operandi of funding agencies, with import substitution. For pro- $ 1.1 Million in funding and oc- role of public sectors in promo- motion of SMEs, which can also cupies 30% market share in tion of Startups, challenges faced give oxygen to Startups, policy of Hyderabad. Mr. Amit Mahes- by upcoming Startups. MSMEs that enunciates 25% for hwari, CA, Ashok Mahesh-wari If go by the Policy Makers and these sectors and of which 3% for & Associates Firm, feels India is Implementers, thrust has been Women SMEs, adoption by PSEs still not considered a lucrative in making Startups Economic and Govt. entity can give a boost destination to set up large scale Engine of the Nation. For emerg- to this sector. businesses for bureaucratic de- ing Startups, the words of wisdom Invest India, started in November lays, frequent regulatory changes are to innovate, to succeed and to 2015 as a one stop shop for inves- in certain sectors and lack of in- have a good team but as leader of tors, is bringing global perspec- vestor’s trust dampen their spir- Startups it is their job to educate tive of investments in startups, its. The degree of concern may to allow more inclusiveness to- According to a survey, 70% of vary, yet throw light on areas of wards they do. As could be seen, the people like the idea of en- improvements. The two areas the challenge before PSEs is how trepreneurship, however it falls where foreign entrepreneurs face do they assimilate the Startups, down to 25% when it comes to the most resistance are in hiring ideas and innovations? Words of actually people doing it, as in- senior talent and in getting inves- caution are, focus should on qual- formed by the learned expert tor interest. ity of product manufacture and from Invest India. India is emerg- services rendered. For inclusive- Looking at 543,000 new business- ing market for the world and ness, as emerged, it is essential es launched every month and as hence Startup India movement not to just create an enterprise, various reports or studies sug- needs involvement and support also to create impact on society & gest, 70% of Startups do not make of all the stakeholders to create country and generate income si- it beyond three years. This seems Startups Ecosystem with partici- multaneously which would allow to be serious concern if Startups pation of youths in creating new are to shape New or Future India. ventures, self employment and Most of them face similar hur- sustainability. dles as they struggle to get past The gap between Govt. entity, like PSEs are sup- the valley of death. Most of en- overall funding and porting Startups in big way. trepreneurs fail, because they seed funding also needs NRDC is supporting not only are in love with their 'Proposed Startups and also some of the Solution.' A major reason why attention if Startups are PSEs towards innovation ini- companies fail is that they run to be supported when tiatives, as informed by Dr. H into the problem of building a Purushotham, CMD. Youths they look for more of product without testing or vali- should move beyond Startup dating it with customers - issue of seed money. hub to Sector specialist hubs by product / market fit. aligning state policies in creating

36 KaleidOscope May, 2020 ARTICLE sector hubs/technology hubs, cit- ing examples of London, which is a Fin-Tech Hub and Tel Aviv, a Cyber Security Hub. PSEs like GAIL are giving oppor- tunity of personal hearing by the CMD before final nod is given on fund support. Globally renowned IOC not only facilitates function- ing of startups funded by them, handholding to solution provid- ing in case startups are in diffi- culty as they are guided by a se- nior management team member also becomes the first customer of the Startup generally for 10 years, scratch and making one of the they need to make distinction be- a great boost to those Startups. best Movers & Packers organiza- tween a Start-up & Business and Oil PSEs have set up a Startup tions of the country. As they felt, advised them to understand mar- Fund and are very good plat- persuasion with right intent helps ket dynamics, whether product is form for new startups to capital- a business to grow and increas- scalable, what if startup don’t get ize its market base. Just imagine ing the numbers in Balance-sheet funding in stipulated time, will if a Startup keeps his product on should not be the primary goal, be able to manage to run? These any Petrol Pump or get access of but the customer satisfaction. will help reduction in incidences customer base of such big PSEs, of early failures. they can approach to thousands Academic and Industry Collabor- of customers easily. Similarly, As ations have been felt time and Funding Partner & Venture if startups align their work to as- again to bridge the gap between Capital advice to startups has pirational districts identified for need of the industries and in- been, let there be a reason to make CSR, a good portion of such fund novations & solutions needed. a startup, identify problem and could be availed by startups as Learned academicians felt that wealth creation be an outcome, could be understood from BHEL. given the pace of Startups in the don’t raise capital too fast, raise education sectors in time to come when needed, remain customer Financial institutions like NIES- Academic Institutions can think focused and while planning to BUD, SIDBI & KVIC and State of one course per semester which raise capital-choose your inves- Missions are also source of fund- can be delivered online. Linking tors carefully. ing and support to Startups, youngsters and first generation Startups with youth of the coun- The emergence of Government entrepreneurs with facilities like, try can change the canvas of em- e Marketplace (GeM) in provid- back ended subsidy to set-up ployability of youths and emer- ing market access to entrepre- own units and in the process, au- gence of entrepreneurs in India. neurs and startups as a Single tomatically the loan component For youths going for Startups, Window option for Sellers to gets adjusted in the bank after reach out to Govt. Departments paying the first installment to the & PSEs facilitating online pro- bank; different stages of Startup A host of foreign curement of common use goods Funding - Pre-seed stage, Seed nationals are relocating and services is also gaining at- stage, Angle Funding, Venture tention. Visibly this looks to to India to fulfill their Capital Fund and Traditional bring transparency, efficiency Funding and also skilling with startup ambitions in tech and speed in public procure- desire to go for entrepreneurship. ment, a new era of market link- sector, despite stumbling The leading Entrepreneurs, like age. As some Founders shared Mr. Ramesh Agarwal is one of the blocks. challenges faced by her, distress successful Ventures starting from of women that made to establish

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 37 ARTICLE

the form of publish documents & research work of some other scholars, primary information from persons in small business, Startups, funding agencies, Angel Investors also helped to draw cer- tain observations which can help in bringing necessary interven- tions. Ir reveals that in terms of investment/readiness of investors majority fall under either beta to prototype or early revenue stage, followed by for growing revenue stage and expansion to new mar- ket stage. These statistics also in- dicate the need of startups & kind a Cooperative Bank for Women, seekers. of support required to shape the vision of Indian Economy. as shared by Founder, Ms. Alka • Lack of access to adequate cred- Srivastava. it at reasonable interest rates to Factors like, improper use of small businesses in India Startup, spending too much on Startup Trends & customer acquisition even before • To identify the areas and av- product/market fit, over com- Interventions enues that can promote women pensating, building a product Issues that drew attention, entrepreneurship to improve without problem/solution fit, hir- include: per capita income. ing too many people including • Startups are mostly failing in specialists too early, not adopt- Besides secondary information in first 3 years of their inception. ing business model according • Startups are confined to metro to market dynamic and raising cities like Delhi NCR, Bangalore, For emerging Startups, too little money to get through Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, the value of death raise a seri- Chennai accounting for more the words of wisdom were ous concern. These were the fac- than 90% of the Startups in tors affected Startup right from India. to innovate, to succeed customer to product, to team, to business model, to financial link- • Majority of Startups are B2C and to have a good team age and consequences were that ventures focus largely on in- majority of the Startups failed formation technology enable but as leader of Startups pre-maturely, could not scale up, products and services like even reach to breakeven level or e-commerce, Aggregators, it is their job to educate to could not reach to new market Analytics, Internet of Things for their long term sustainability. allow more inclusiveness (IOT), Health-Tech, Online Issues came up are quite relevant Payments, Fin-Tech etc. and alarming as well and should towards they do. The • How far Startup ecos-system draw attention of Think Tank can offer opportunities to in- challenge before PSEs is India is third largest Startup novators, investors, entrepre- eco-system in the world with an neurs, foreign investors and how do they assimilate average of Three Tech Startups even stakeholders to transform born every hour. This diverse the face of youths and women the Startups, ideas and eco-system responded dynami- of India to become owner of cally to the vicissitudes faced by their ventures and job pro- innovations? the Indian markets and in condi- vider instead of becoming job tions like Covid-19 e-commerce

38 KaleidOscope May, 2020 ARTICLE

Startups have been working technology that need to be tapped round the clock to cater the India is third largest judiciously by the Founder to surge in demand. Additionally make their Startup a successful Startups have supported the Startup eco-system in the venture. community through Corporate world with an average These challenging areas need Social Responsibility (CSR). For continuous intervention & re- example- Paytm has launched a of Three Tech Startups search to keep exploring possible campaign “India Fight Corona”, solutions by drawing attention of which is supported by brands born every hour. This Stakeholders from time to time. like Lifebuoy, Unilever and YouWeCan. diverse eco-system References HexGn Startup Ready Program responded dynamically 1 Indivjal Dhasmana, Business of the Govt. is a welcome ap- Standard, December 4, 2019, proach. Given the size of popula- to the vicissitudes faced tion and our target to be leading 'We look forward to mak- Startups Nation globally, more of by the Indian markets ing India a $10-trillion econ- such Models and their replication omy, says PM Modi' https:// and conditions like might as early as possible not only www.business-standard.com/ article/economy-policy/we- to turnaround Startups, rather to Covid-19. In the emerging infuse confidence in upcoming look-forward-to-making-in- startups, to check on early failure scenario with increase dia-a-10-trillion-economy-says- cases and creating entrepreneur- pm-modi-119022300803_1.html panic and closure of ial ecosystems across the board. 2 Annual Report, DPIIT 2019- The key Stakeholders for suc- physical establishment, 20, https://dipp.gov.in/ sites/ cess of either Startups or SMEs default/files/annualReport_ are the Founders or Owners e-commerce Startups English2019-20.pdf besides Govt., Funding agen- 3 Seed Funding Support, Startup cies and People engaged. The have been working India, https://www.startupin- focus should, therefore, be on round the clock to cater dia.gov.in/content/sih/en/com- making them responsible and pendium_of_good_practices/ disciplined like the governance the surge in demand. seedfundingsupport.html norms for Board of Directors in Industries. Experiences shared Additionally Startups 4 Stand-Up India for Financing by some of the Founders or Co- SC/ST and/or Women Entrepr- have supported the founders are worth mentioning. eneurs ttps://www.startupin- Aaron O’Hearn, Co-founder and community through dia.gov.in/ content/ sih/ en/ CEO of Startup Institute con- government-schemes/stand- veys, “Get Comfortable With Corporate Social up-india.html The Unknown”. Startup will al- ways feel forced to make a deci- Responsibility (CSR). 5 Shephali Bhatt ET Bureau sion without fully understand- January 19, 2020, India is be- ing what is coming and hence For example- Paytm has coming a popular destination for foreigners to chase their will have to learn to deal with launched a campaign uncertainty. startup dreams Startup Founder is the heart & soul 'India Fight Corona'. 6 COVID Resource Section, Info- of the company, may be, they will rmation & Resources For The have to present themselves more Startup Ecosystem Startup responsibly to turn the passion of set of skills, s/he could be excel- India, Resources for COVID-19, people engaged into a business lence at doing something, may be https://www.startupindia.gov. and to accomplish that to become business development, product in/content/sih/en/covid-19_re- a leader. Every individual has a development, marketing, sales or source_section.html

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 39 ARTICLE Excessive Pricing: CCI Intervention should be Carefully Measured Pranjal Prateek*

he COVID-19 pandemic excessive pricing. For example, advantage of the current situa- has caused supply-de- the UK Competition and Markets tion. In the US, President Trump Tmand disruptions in many Authority (CMA), in addition to announced signing an execu- sectors. Accordingly, we have launching a COVID-19 task force tive order under the Defence witnessed a significant volatil- which, among other areas, seeks Production Act that among oth- ity in prices of certain goods or to act on exploitative pricing, er areas, seeks to prevent price services, especially those which also sent warning followed by gouging, in addition to announce- have been temporarily in high an open letter to the pharmaceu- ment of possible enforcement by demand including medical goods tical and food and drink indus- both Department of Justice and and services. There has been a tries advising them not to charge Federal Trade Commission. The widespread alarm regarding ex- unjustifiably high prices lest it Competition Commission of India ploitative pricing or price goug- is constrained to take direct en- (CCI) has published its own advi- ing in relation to protective or forcement action. Similarly, the sory which is primarily focussed essential products such as face European Competition Network on how it would evaluate busi- masks, gloves, sanitizers, medi- of the national competition au- ness cooperation during these cines and even hospital services. thorities of the EU issued a joint times but importantly also cau- Globally, several competition statement stating that regula- tions businesses “not to take ad- authorities have issued strong tors’ would not hesitate to take vantage of COVID-19”. In India, warnings against profiteering by action against companies taking uniquely, the Legal Metrology

* Pranjal Prateek is a competition lawyer with Khaitan & Co. Views expressed are personal.

40 KaleidOscope May, 2020 ARTICLE

Act, 2009 requires packaged com- modities to bear a maximum re- tail price (MRP), charging above which is a punishable offence. This ensures that uninformed consumers are not exploited at the hands of retailers but this, however, cannot remedy exploit- ative pricing. Other than enlisting products/services under Essential Commodities Act, exploitative pricing can have remedy under the Consumer Protection Act and the Competition Act, to the extent that exploitation is by a dominant undertaking, thereby affecting competition in the larger market. is likely to be on a first-cum-first Like some of the other In the context of the Competition basis or only to those who could Act, although in normal market competition agencies globally, afford it at the price level deter- conditions finding a “dominant it could be an easy choice mined to be “reasonable”. This position” would be the first road- situation can also lead to parallel for the CCI to intervene now block for the CCI before it can or black markets involving infe- initiate an inquiry into excessive and gain reputation as the rior products/services. Thus, this pricing, in the current times a champion of the exploited would lead to undesirable out- dominant position could be rela- consumers, however, it comes. Third, there is no objective tively easier to establish. The CCI criteria of determining what price could, for example, find an un- would be best advised to level qualifies as exploitative in a dertaking temporarily dominant have a calibrated and careful given case. Merely evaluating the due to complete dependence of approach towards exploitative price against cost of production or consumers on the undertaking a comparable product could un- pricing. First, regulating or in a given neighbourhood due dermine not only demand driven to movement restrictions in the prescribing caps on pricing higher prices but also the value lockdown. Alternatively, the CCI interferes with the natural of the product/service in the eyes may argue that the ability to price tendency of the markets to of customers, which is higher in the product/service unjustifiably case of dependency in situations high in itself proves that the un- respond to high prices by such as the present one. At the dertaking’s ability to act indepen- expanding supplies either same time, intervention, could be dent of competitors and is, thus, through expanding capacity or necessary especially in the short an indicator of dominance. term, in certain cases involving by new entries in the market. Like some of the other competi- products/services with high en- tion agencies globally, it could be try barriers and where there is a an easy choice for the CCI to in- to high prices by expanding sup- clear evidence of excessive pric- tervene now and gain reputation plies either through expanding ing being not a result of higher as the champion of the exploited capacity or by new entries in the costs or other market develop- consumers, however, it would be market. Although, such correc- ments. The CCI should strongly best advised to have a calibrated tions would be slower in markets consider putting its interim relief and careful approach towards ex- with high entry barriers. Second, framework to good use to inter- ploitative pricing. First, regulat- and somewhat related problem vene in the short term while bal- ing or prescribing caps on pricing is that if supply expansion is af- ancing intervention with the abil- interferes with the natural ten- fected due to price regulation ity of the markets to self-correct dency of the markets to respond then the availability of product themselves.

KaleidoKaleidoscope May, 2020 41 SCOPE News

42 KaleidOscope May, 2020 SCOPE News

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 43 SCOPE News

44 KaleidOscope May, 2020 SCOPE News

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 45 46 KaleidOscope May, 2020 SAIL Becomes the Largest Domestic Crude Steel Producer in FY’20

Achieves Best Ever Annual Sales in FY’20 with a Growth of 2.8%

teel Authority of India strategies to expand its market Limited has become the portfolio also yielded the high- Sleader of crude steel pro- est ever exports of 1.18 Million duction in India in FY 2019-20. Tonnes during FY 2019-20 which SAIL produced 16.15 Million is an astounding 54% growth Tonnes of crude steel during the over CPLY. financial year 2019-20 and it was Commenting on this, Mr. the highest among all other steel Chaudhary said 'The Company producers in the country. has been building this sales mo- Mr. Anil Kumar Chaudhary, mentum through its continued Chairman, SAIL has commented, Anil Kumar Chaudhary thrust on the marketing initia- “SAIL has been continuously fo- Chairman, SAIL tives and activities. SAIL focused cussing on ramping up its steel on developing and introducing production from the new units, In the near future, as the Nation a wider range of value added which came up under moderniza- comes out victorious in the fight and market-oriented products. tion along with optimally utiliz- against Corona virus, the market During FY’20, SAIL launched its ing the older units. The concerted will definitely show green shoots branded 'SAIL SeQR' TMT bars, a efforts to increase volumes have of steel consumption and SAIL product which is a notch higher in resulted in the Company becom- is fully geared up to cater to the its class in terms of various qual- ing the largest domestic steel pro- steel demands of the Nation”. ity and safety aspects. We also ducer in FY'20. The Company’s During the FY 2019-20, SAIL also have been gradually increasing well-coordinated production achieved the best ever annual our share of exports and went for strategies leveraging augmented sales of 14.5 Million Tonnes (MT) deeper penetration of the market production capacities, which with a growth of 2.8% over the with our world class products in- were installed under the modern- corresponding period last year cluding railway products.' ization have started to fructify. (FY 2018-19). The Company’s SAIL has continued the streak of sales growth consistently, espe- cially from the third quarter on- SAIL SeQR. wards where the Company reg- istered a growth of 26% in sales in the Q3 FY’20. The Company posted increase in sales during November, December, January’20 by 36%, 47% and 35% respec- tively over CPLY. In the first year of launch itself, around 2 lakh tonnes of branded SAIL SeQR TMT has already been sold and it has evoked excellent response from the market.

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 47 48 KaleidOscope May, 2020 NALCO Clocks All Time High Production of Bauxite and Alumina Amidst Corona Crisis

Company with Precautions in place for COVID 19 Pandemic, NALCO Surpasses 100% Capacity Utilisations in its Mines & Refinery NALCO Tides Over Coal Crisis with 90% Capacity Utilisation of Aluminium Smelter

ational Aluminium Company Limited N(NALCO), has recorded an all-round success in baux- ite and alumina productions in the Fiscal 2019-20. It may be mentioned that with more than 100% capacity utilization, NALCO’s Panchpatmali Mines has achieved bauxite produc- tion of 73.02 lakh MT, which is highest ever since company’s in- ception. Bauxite transportation has gone up to 73.02 lakh MT, which is also highest ever so far. Company’s Alumina Refinery on-going sluggish metal market, of alumina and aluminium in has produced highest-ever 21.61 we would be able to tide over the country, has been granted lakh MT of Alumina Hydrate and the downturn by continuing to the mining lease of Utkal-D set a new record. Steam & Power keep our focus on bauxite mining coal block by the Government Plant (SPP) of Alumina Refinery and alumina refining arm, cou- of Odisha through a notifica- has also achieved highest ever net pled with several cost reduction tion issued recently by Depart- power generation. measures. ment of Steel & Mines. As per the notification, the mining The Aluminium Smelter of Worth mentioning that despite lease of Utkal-D coal block is NALCO has achieved more than COVID-19 crisis, NALCO’s all over an area of 301.28 hects in 90% capacity utilization with cast units are operational with re- villages Kosala, Nandichood, metal production of 4.18 lakh MT duced manpower and contribut- Similisahi and Raijharan under in spite of facing acute coal crisis ing to the national economy. The Chendipada Tahasil of Angul in the monsoon season and also company is implementing ade- District. the recent Corona virus pandem- quate social distancing and saniti- ic. Also noteworthy is that the zation measures in its plants and It may be noted that upon DC energy consumption at com- residential areas to safeguard its execution of mining lease deed, pany’s smelter plant was at the employees and workers against NALCO is considering to open lowest in 2019-20. corona virus exposure. Utkal-D coal block in the financial year 2020-21. The initial capacity Attributing record performance of Utkal-D coal block is 2 mill- to the teamwork and dedication NALCO Gets Mining Lease ion tonnes per year with a of employees, Mr. Sridhar Patra, for Utkal-D Coal Block total mineable reserve of 101.68 CMD, NALCO said that in the NALCO one of leading producer million tonnes.

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 49 50 KaleidOscope May, 2020 COVID-19: MCL Reacts Promptly to Help Administration

n a prompt reaction, Mahana-di Coalfields Limited (MCL) provided five thermal scanners Ito Sambalpur district administration for scan- ning of people arriving in from various states of the country. The Department of CSR, MCL received a request from the district administration for providing five infrared thermal scanners to screen the people arriv- ing from different states where they were stranded due to lockdown. The senior officers from CSR, Finance and Health Services departments of the company, under the directions of the Director (Personnel), completed all the paper works, obtained approvals and completed MCL official handing over infrared thermal scanners to the task by handing over five infrared thermal scanners Sub-Collector of Sambhalpur. to the Sub-Collector, Sambalpur. Director (HR), NLCIL conferred with the 'Top Rankers Excellence 'HR Leader Ship Award'

r. R. Vikraman, Director (HR), NLCIL has been con- Mferred with the 'Top Rankers Excellence Award for, HR Leadership’ at the 21st National Management Summit in New Delhi. Mr. Vikraman received the award for being an inspir- ing role model as a top HR leader from Padmashree Dr. Pritam Singh, Mr. Yogi Sriram, Sr. VP, Corporate HR, Larsen & Toubro and Mr. V.S.K Sood, President of Top Rankers Management Club. Mr. R. Vikraman is known for his excellence in seamlessly fusing technology with Mr. R. Vikraman, Director (HR), NLCIL receiving the 'Top Rankers HR operations and his boldness in tak- Excellence HR Leadership Award' from Padmashree Dr. Pritam Singh, Mr. ing HR interventions forward to realize Yogi Sriram, Sr. VP, Corporate HR, Larsen & Toubro and Mr. V.S.K Sood, NLCIL’s corporate vision 2025. President Top Rankers Management Club.

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 51 52 KaleidOscope May, 2020 PSEs Pay Dividend to Government

NHPC Pays Interim Dividend of BEL pays Rs. 174 Cr. Interim Rs. 840.96 Cr. to Govt. of India Dividend to Government of for FY 2019-20 India BEL has paid interim dividend of 140% on its paid- up capital to the Government of India for finan- cial year 2019-20. Mr. M. V. Gowtama, Chairman & Managing Director, BEL, presented the interim dividend cheque of Rs. 174,43,63,569.20/- (Rupees One Hundred Seventy four Crores Forty Three Lacs Sixty Three Thousand Five Hundred Sixty Nine and Twenty Paise only), payable on the shares held by the President of India, to the Defence Minister, Mr. Rajnath Singh, at New Delhi. BEL has declared 140% percent as Interim Dividend (Rs. 1.40/- per share) to its shareholders for the financial year 2019-20. Mr. A. K. Singh, CMD, NHPC handing over dividend payout advice to Mr. R. K. Singh, Hon’ble MoS (I/c) (Power and New & Renewable Energy) & MoS (Skill Development and Entrepreneurship), in the presence of Mr. Sanjiv Nandan Sahai, Secretary (Power), GoI, Mr. Aniruddha Kumar, Joint Secretary (Hydro), Mr. N. K. Jain, Director (Personnel), Mr. Mahesh Kumar Mittal, Director (Finance) and Mr. Janardan Choudhary, Director (Technical) from NHPC.

NHPC Limited paid an interim dividend of Rs. 840.96 crore to GoI for the financial year 2019-20. The dividend payout bank advice was presented to Mr. R. K. Singh, Hon’ble MoS (I/c) (Power and New Mr. M. V. Gowtama, Chairman & Managing Director, BEL, & Renewable Energy) & MoS (Skill Development presenting the interim dividend cheque to the Hon'ble Defence Minister, Mr. Rajnath Singh. Also present are Mr. and Entrepreneurship) by Mr. A.K. Singh, CMD, Raj Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production) and Dr. Amit NHPC in the presence of Mr. Sanjiv Nandan Sahai, Sahai, Joint Secretary (P&C). Secretary (Power), Mr. Aniruddha Kumar, Joint Secretary (Hydro), Ministry of Power and Mr. N.K. This is the 16th consecutive year that BEL is paying Jain, Director (Personnel), Mr. Mahesh Kumar Interim Dividend. BEL has paid a total dividend of Mittal, Director (Finance), Mr. Janardan Choudhary, 340% on its paid up capital for the financial year Director (Technical) from NHPC. NHPC had paid 2018-19. interim dividend of Rs. 526.53 crore to Government of India for the fiscal 2018-19. The total Rs 1185.31 crore as against Rs. 713.20 crore PFC Pays Interim Dividend of for the financial year 2018-19. NHPC has earned Rs. 1404.37 Cr. To Government net profit of Rs. 2624.26 crore for the nine months ended FY 19-20 as against the previous period cor- of India for FY 2019-20 responding figure of Rs. 2138.26 crore. Power Finance Corporation, has paid an interim

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 53 54 KaleidOscope May, 2020 dividend of Rs. 1404.37 crore to Government of India for the financial year 2019-20 recently. The interim dividend RTGS intimation bank ad- vice was presented to Mr. R. K. Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State (i/c) Power and New & Renewable Energy & Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship by Mr. Rajeev Sharma, CMD, PFC in the presence of Mr. Ashish Upadhyaya, Additional Secretary (Power), Mr. Mritunjay Kr. Narayan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Power and Mr. Rajeev Sharma, CMD, PFC presenting RTGS intimation bank advice of an interim dividend of Rs. 1404.37 crore to Mr. Mr. N. B. Gupta, Director (Finance) PFC, Mr. P. K. R. K. Singh, Hon’ble MoS (i/c) Power and New & Renewable Singh, Director (Commercial) PFC and Mr. R. S. Energy & MoS for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Dhillon, Director (Projects) PFC.

NRL Organises Webinar with MSE Vendors

Webinar 1 Webinar 2 Webinar 3 Webinar 4

RL has effectively lever- the State of Assam. NRL as a on ongoing and upcoming aged digital platforms to responsible corporate citizen, projects in which MSEs could Nreach out to its Medium has always been supportive to pitch in with their products and and Small Enterprise (MSE) ven- MSEs in terms of implement- services. Dr. Avinash Choudhary, dors and contractors. A Webinar ing government guidelines and Zonal General Manager (North on ‘Business opportunities for procedures as well as by creat- East), National Small Industries MSEs in NRL’ was organised by ing business opportunities for Corporation addressed the the Company. Otherwise an an- them. The Webinar commenced Webinar, where he exhorted nual event in the Company cal- with the key note address present- MSEs to make full use of the endar, the format for the MSE ed by Sr. Chief General Manager special provisions offered to Meet was changed to Webinar (Corporate Affairs) Mr. Nikunja them by the Govt. An open mode keeping in view the cur- Borthakur who apprised them session at the end of the Webinar rent situation of nationwide of the opportunities for MSEs invited a multitude of queries lockdown this year. This virtual in NRL, especially in the light by the participants, which were event attracted overwhelming of the mega Refinery Project that addressed to by GM (Comm.), participation of more than 85 NRL has embarked on. Detailed Mr. N. K. Buragohain, also to MSE manufacturers and ser- presentations were made by be made available in NRL web- vice providers across the coun- officers from Commercial, Main- site www.nrl.co.in. try as well as those based in tenance and Finance Departments

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 55 DG, CSIR launches Compendium of Indian Technologies for Combating COVID-19

'Compendium of Indi- an Technologies for ACombating COVID-19 (Tracing, Testing and Treating)' prepared by National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) was launched by Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, Director General, CSIR, and Secretary, DSIR, Govt. of India at CSIR Headquarters, New Delhi. The compendium carries informa- tion about 200 COVID-19-related Indian technologies, ongoing research activities, technologies Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, DG, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR launching the Compendium available for commercialisation, of Indian Technologies for Combating COVID-19, compiled by NRDC at CSIR-HQ, initiatives and efforts taken by New Delhi. Present with him is Dr. H. Purushotham, CMD, NRDC. the Government of India, cat- egorised under 3Ts of Tracking, to fight COVID-19 for the benefit (CSIR), Defence Research and De- Testing and Treating. Most of of all stakeholders and this com- velopment Organisation (DRDO), these technologies are proof-of- pendium will serve as a ready- Indian Institute(s) of Technology concept (POC) tested and can reference for policy makers, in- (IITs), Science and Engineering help the entrepreneurs to take the dustries, entrepreneurs, startups, Research Board (SERB), Techno- product to market faster as they MSMEs, research scholars, scien- logy Development Board (TDB), do not have to reinvent the wheel. tists and others. He also informed National Innovation Foundation Dr. Mande appreciated the ini- that several of the technologies (NIF), Startup India and All India tiative of NRDC for bringing compiled are approved by ICMR. Council for Technical Education out the Compendium of Indian The information presented in (AICTE), Sree Chitra Tirunal Technologies for Combating the compendium is sourced Institute for Medical Sciences COVID-19 as it is very timely from various government bod- and Technology (SCTIMST), and would benefit the MSMEs, ies and premier academic insti- and Indian Institute of Science Startups and the public at large. tutions including Department of (IISc). For more information, in- Dr. H. Purushotham, CMD, Science and Technology (DST), cluding transfer of technology, NRDC, informed that team- Department of Biotechnology one may reach NRDC, an NRDC has made an attempt to (DBT), Indian Council for Medical enterprise of Department of compile most relevant and emerg- Research (ICMR), Ministry of Scientific and Industrial Research ing indigenously developed tech- Electronics and Information Te- (DSIR), Ministry of Science & nological innovations, including chnology (MeitY), Council of Technology, Govt.of India at those which are at research stage, Scientific and Industrial Research [email protected].

56 KaleidOscope May, 2020 PSEs CSR Activities

Organization of CSR Activities Nurses etc. The Chief Medical Officers, MAX Hospital, Bhatinda also associated with the camp. by HIL (India) Limited at its The program was inaugurated and chaired by Dr. Bhatinda Unit to check spread S.P. Mohanty, Chairman & Managing Director, HIL (India) Limited, Mr. Shashank Chaturvedi, General of Cervical Cancer in women. Manager (Mktg,) and Mr. Bijoy Maharana, Head of HIL (India) Limited unit at Bhatinda were also present. The event was also widely covered by elec- tronic and print media of the Punjab State.

ITDC provides Advanced Life Support Ambulance to City Hospital, Damoh India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (ITDC) contributed a fully equipped air- CSR Program was inaugurated by Dr. S. P. Mohanty, CMD conditioned advanced life support ambulance to HIL (India) Limited and presided over by Dr. Y. K. Gupta, City Hospital, Damoh (under Aspirational District) President , AIIMS Bhopal and renowned Oncologist. in Madhya Pradesh. The ambulance was handed over to hospital authorities recently in presence HIL (India) Limited organized a free medical health of Mr. Prahlad Singh Patel, Hon’ble Minister of check up and screening of women between the age State for Tourism and Culture (Independent Charge) group of 18-50 years old at its Bhatinda Unit. The and Mr. Piyush Tiwari, Director (Commercial & free medical checkup and screening of women for Marketing) ITDC. Speaking on the occasion. Mr. cervical of cancer was organized under Corporate Prahlad Singh Patel, Hon’ble Minister said, “Fully Social Responsibility (CSR) program of the com- equipped Ambulance would be immensely useful pany in association with Sahebhagita International and beneficial for the local people of the district Foundation (SIF), a registered non profit mak- as it has all the required features for serious pa- ing and voluntary organization having a team tients.” Mr. Piyush Tiwari, Director (Commercial of Seniors Expert Doctors mostly from All India & Marketing), ITDC said that “This advanced life Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Apart from screening of women from Cervical Cancer point of view, they were also educated about maintaining menstrual hygiene, which is reported to be main cause of cervical cancer. In the camp organized by HIL (India) Limited about 450-500 women were examined, screened from cervical cancer point of view and they were also supplied free packets of sanitary napkins. They were also educated by the medical team as to how they can safeguard themselves by maintain- ing hygiene. The women group mostly from rural areas and lower income strata group attended the Handing over Ceremony of the ambulance to city hospital camp. The medical team was headed by Dr. Y. K Damoh in the presence of Hon'ble MoS for Tourism & Gupta, President, AIIMS – Bhopal along with other Culture (I/C) Mr. Prahlad Singh Patel and Mr. Piyush Tiwari, experts and supporting staff like Compounders / Director (Commel. & Mktg.), ITDC.

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 57 support Ambulance has been contributed by ITDC Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) continues to as per the scheme of Development of Aspirational be at the forefront of India’s fight against COVID-19. Districts by CPSEs under CSR scheme and it is a Under the guidance of Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, matter of pride for ITDC to be part of this scheme.” Union Minister of PNG & Steel, SAIL has contribut- With the aim to further enhance the progress of ed Rs 4 Crore to four states viz. Jharkhand, Odisha, healthcare services in the district, the ambulance Chhattisgarh and West Bengal in which its five is equipped with modern equipment at par with integrated steel plants are located. The Company national standards like Oxygen, Defibrillator, and has contributed Rs 1 Crore each, amounting to Rs Ventilator etc. 4 Crore, to the CM Relief Fund of these states re- spectively. The steel plants located in these states are Bokaro Steel Plant in Jharkhand, Rourkela Steel Interim CSR Budget allocation Plant in Odisha, Bhilai Steel Plant in Chhatisgarh of Rs. 60.5 Crore for 2020-21 and Durgapur Steel Plant and IISCO Steel Plant in by NHPC West Bengal. The Committee of Directors on CSR & Sustainability of NHPC Limited during its 35th meeting approved the Interim CSR Budget allocation of Rs. 60.5 crore for 2020-21 including an amount of Rs. 15 crore for 'PMCARES Fund'. A total contribution of Rs. 40 crore (including afore-mentioned amount of Rs 15 crore) has already been made by NHPC to 'PM CARES Fund' from its CSR Budget of FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21. The above allocation of Rs 60.5 crore includes an amount of Rs. 32.50 crore sanc- tioned for implementation of CSR activities in the Cheque handed over by Rourkela Steel Plant to the district thematic areas of education and health for people administration of Sundergarh district in Odisha. around Power Stations and Projects of NHPC, through various KVs & other Schools and Medical The Company has enhanced its medical facilities facilities through NHPC Dispensaries. An amount across its Plants and Units in coordination with lo- of Rs. 1.25 crore has also been allocated for com- cal authorities of respective state governments in its bating COVID-19 pandemic around NHPC Power fight against COVID-19. SAIL has spearheaded var- Stations and Projects. The meeting was held under ious measures to fight against the spread of Corona the chairmanship of Mr. Bhagwat Prasad Makwana, virus at a pan-India level including wide distribu- Independent Director, NHPC through video con- tion of masks and sanitizers. It has set up around ferencing. During the meeting, Mr. Ratish Kumar, 300 isolation beds and around 600 quarantine fa- Director (Projects), Mr. Nikhil Kumar Jain, Director cilities in its Plant and Unit hospitals and townships (Personnel), Mr. M.K Mittal, Director (Finance), for the benefit of people of the surrounding regions. Mr. Y.K. Chaubey, Director (Technical), Mr. M.K. It has also mobilized other facilities for medical ser- Goel, Executive Director (CSR), Mr. Vijay Gupta, vices such as a COVID testing laboratory at SAIL’s Company Secretary and other Senior Officers of Ispat General Hospital at Rourkela and a dedicat- CSR and SD Division were present. The Committee ed COVID Care Centre at SAIL’s Bokaro General of Directors appreciated the various ongoing Hospital at Bokaro. The Company has handed CSR activities pertaining to COVID-19 by various over five ventilators to Odisha Govt. through its Projects and Power Stations of NHPC Limited. Rourkela Steel Plant for treatment of corona pa- tients. It has also undertaken massive ‘anndaan’ program under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna SAIL – The steel Company with Yojana at its Plant and Unit locations including a golden heart, in the fight two of Company’s steel processing units (SPUs) at Kandrori in Himachal Pradesh and Jagdishpur in against Corona Uttar Pradesh.

58 KaleidOscope May, 2020 Good Samaritans come forward GRSE has also distributed food grains to the lo- cal administration towards distribution among the for Covid Warriors needy and poor people residing in the neighbor- At a time when people have to stay indoors due to hood who are unable to earn their livelihood due the nationwide lockdown, the police personnel are to the country wide lockdown. 2250 kg. rice, 900 kg. in the forefront braving all odds to combat COVID pulses and 900 kg. potatoes were distributed for 450 19 by ensuring law and order situation and enforc- underprivileged families living in the local slum ar- ing round the clock lockdown orders. eas of Metiabruz.

GRSE officials distributing food grains packets to the needy Food Packets being distributed by NALCO Mahila Samiti. persons.

The Police who are actually the frontline COVID To show respect and support to these COVID war- warriors are also being supported by GRSE from riors, the members of NALCO Foundation and time to time. In continuation to its' earlier endeav- NALCO Mahila Samiti as good Samaritans have ours, 650 masks and 650 soaps were handed over come forward to provide food packets to these po- for the different Police stations under DC Port. lice personnel, who are on frontline duties at various check posts in Bhubaneswar. The team led by Ms. Sasmita Patra, President, NALCO Mahila Samiti, 10,000 Masks for Bargarh along with Ms. Prativa Mishra, Secretary and other Villages by MCL members of NALCO Mahila Samiti in association with Senior officials of NALCO Foundation, distrib- uted about 1500 hygienically prepared food pack- ets at various check posts including 120 battalion square, Damana Square, Nalco Square, etc.

GRSE's relief to local needy persons of Metiabruz, Kolkata GRSE is actively involved in its efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 particularly in the area surrounding the Factory premises. As face masks are one of the significant protective equipment to Distribution of facial masks. protect from COVID-19, GRSE distributed 18,000 masks for the needy and vulnerable section of local- At least 10,000 facial masks have been dispatched ity as a CSR initiative. Previously, 4500 masks and for distribution among villagers in Bargarh district 1500 soaps were distributed in two earlier instanc- of #Odisha through "Sambalpur Youth", a volun- es to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the local tary organisation fighting to check the mence of community. pandemic #CoViD19.

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 59 ITDC provides 2000 meals per day role in serving the rural population surrounding Numaligarh Refinery and other remote villages of Golaghat district by conducting Mobile Medical Camps (MMC), thereby bringing health care to the doorsteps of the needy. The two MMC units of the hospital have resumed their services recently after lockdown restrictions were relaxed; maintaining stringent protective measures such as social dis- tancing, regular sanitization and use of face masks and PPE as per Govt. guidelines. While one MMC unit is deployed in a nearby village, the other unit visits Numaligarh Refinery Marketing Terminal for COVID-19 screening of truck drivers and atten- dants, limiting daily registrations to 40 patients to As COVID-19 continues to impact communities avoid crowding. Villages covered till now include across the world, Mr. Jitender Singh, Chef at The Ponka, Bishnupur Sewjpur, Rongbong-I, Rongbong- Ashok, New Delhi (a flagship property of ITDC) us- IV, Bormahari Pathar, Rangchali, Parghat-II . Any ing the technique of food-art, expressed gratitude person found with high fever or other COVID-19 and thanked the corona warriors who are fighting symptoms is immediately directed to a Government the deadly virus on the frontline. The Chef said, “I Hospital for further testing. wish to express my gratitude to the superheroes, Mobile Medical Camps are a noble initiative who have selflessly and tirelessly gone beyond adopted by VK NRL Hospital in the year 1998 their call of duty to protect us - these individuals with the support of NRL. Over the years, the personify bravery, courage, and sacrifice.” ITDC MMCs have grown manifold organizing on an has been providing up to 2000 meals per day to the average of 6 camps a week covering 60 villages healthcare professionals and other needy people as within a radius of 10 Km of the Refinery and treat- part of its CSR activity. ing 50,000 plus patients in a year. Mobile Medical Units are equipped with Mobile Laboratory facility Vivekananda Kendra, NRL with provision for on the spot blood report of essen- tial blood tests like hemoglobin, blood sugar, blood Hospital resumes Mobile grouping etc. The camps not only provide primary Medical Camps health care services, but also conduct awareness In the wake of COVID-19, Vivekananda Kendra programs on various communicable and non-com- NRL Hospital has been performing a unique municable diseases including health and hygiene. Apart from the regular inflow of patients, MMCs provide regular medication to routine patients suf- fering from chronic illnesses like hypertension, thyroid disorders, diabetes and epilepsy. Since the year 2017, the MMCs are also carrying out regular screening of rural women for breast cancer and cer- vical cancer.

Vivekananda Kendra NRL Hospital was born on 19th September 1997 through an MoU between the Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. and Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari. With the motto of Swami Vivekananda’s message of “SERVE Mobile medical unit of VK NRL Hospital screens truck MAN – SERVE GOD” VKNRL Hospital has been drivers and attendants at Numaligarh Refinery Marketing holistically serving humanity in the vicinity of Terminal. Numaligarh Refinery

60 KaleidOscope May, 2020 Expatriates evacuated from District Administration, Police Dept and Health Department. Maldives arrive at Cochin Port Cochin Port lends helping hand in 'Operation Samudra Setu' by throwing open its resources for BEL distributes grocery kits to facilitating the smooth transition of expatriates. migrant workers through City Samudrika Cruise Terminal has been opened up for handling the expatriates and Port has taken up nec- Police essary refurbishments consistent with the medical protocols. The first group of 698 persons evacuated from Maldives arrived at Cochin Port by the ship 'INS Jalaswa' of Indian Navy.

BEL hands over grocery kits for migrant workers.

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has, as part of its Ship 'INS Jalaswa' of Indian Navy. CSR initiatives, come forward to lend a helping hand to migrant workers in Bengaluru, impacted by the lockdown implemented countrywide in view of The ship was berthed at BTP Jetty and the disem- the spread of COVID-19. The Bangalore Complex of barkation procedures was carried out at Samudrika BEL handed over 1,300 grocery kits, valued at Rs. 23 Cruise Terminal. The group comprised 595 males lakhs, to migrant workers through the City Police. and 103 females. Of this, 14 were children below Mr. Vinay Kumar Katyal, Director, BEL-Bangalore, 10 years and 19 pregnant women. Though major- and Mr. Shivakumaran K M, Director (HR), BEL, ity of passengers were from Kerala and Tamil Nadu handed over the kits containing rice, daal, sugar there were repatriates of 18 other states/UTs also in and other essential commodities to migrant work- the ship. Passengers showing COVID symptoms ers in the presence of Mr. Shashikumar N, IPS, DCP, were disembarked first followed by others in small Bangalore North, Mrs. Nisha James, IPS, Admn groups, district-wise. Bangalore, Office of Commissioner of Police, and Thermal screening of passengers on arrival was car- other senior officers of BEL. In a bid to mitigate the ried out by the Port Health Organisation. Customs hardships faced by migrant workers, the Bangalore and Immigration procedures were carried out in- Complex of BEL has, ever since the implementation side the Terminal, where arrangement had also of lockdown, been providing 250 food packets daily been made for distribution of SIM cards by BSNL to the workers through the City Police. and installation of Aarogya Setu app in mobile The employees of BEL had earlier contributed their phones of passengers. Disinfection facility for bag- one day’s salary amounting to Rs. 2.71 Crores to gage and free wi-fi were made available by the Port the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief at the Terminal. Arrangements for onward travel in Emergency Situations (PMCARES) Fund. The to hospitals/institutional quarantine centres/home Company also released Rs. 10 Crores from its CSR quarantine were ensured by state government by Fund towards the PMCARES Fund, to combat and deploying ambulances, state transport buses and contain the COVID- 19 pandemic in India and also taxis. These arrangements were coordinated by the for relief efforts.

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 61 PSEs Ink MoU

NHPC signs MoU for Exploring NMDC and IIT Hyderabad Possibilities for Cement signs MoU for Joint Incubation Requirement for 2880 MW Program to Support Deep-Tech Dibang Multipurpose Project Start-ups NMDC and i-TIC Foundation, IIT Hyderabad, signed an agreement to support start-ups through a collaborative joint incubation program, NMDC Innovation & Incubation Centre [NICE]. This is consistent with the flagship initiative of the Government of India - 'Startup India', intended to build a strong ecosystem that is conducive for the growth of start-up businesses, to drive sustain- able economic growth and generate employment opportunities. The Collaborative agreement was signed by Mr. P. K. Satpathy, Director (Production) on behalf of NMDC and Dr. B. S. Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad & President, i-TIC Foundation, IIT - Hyderabad in Mr. A. K. Singh, CMD, NHPC and Mr. B.V.N Prasad CMD, CCI presence of Mr. N Baijendra Kumar, IAS, CMD, exchange documents after signing MoU in the presence of NMDC at the NMDC headquarters in Hyderabad. senior officials from NHPC & CCI. Mr. Amitava Mukharjee, Director (Finance), Mr. Alok Kumar Mehta, Director (Commercial), Mr. NHPC Limited signed a Memorandum of Sumit Deb, Director (Personnel) and other senior Understanding (MoU) with Cement Corporation officers from NMDC and IIT, Hyderabad were also of India Limited (CCI) for exploring possi- present. bilities for cement requirement for 2880 MW NMDC in partnership with i-TIC Foundation, IIT Dibang Multipurpose Project. The MoU was Hyderabad will establish the start-up eco-system signed by Mr. A. K. Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, NHPC and Mr. B. V. N. Prasad, Chairman and Managing Director, CCI at NHPC Corporate Office, Faridabad. Mr. S. Sakthimani, Director (Finance), CCI, Mr. V. K. Maini, Executive Director (SBD&C), NHPC and other senior officers of both the organizations were also present on the occasion. The MoU will pave the way for addressing the cement requirement for Dibang Multipurpose Project. Consequent upon confirmation of studies, CCI has proposed to install a clinker grinding unit near the project area, which besides fulfilling the cement requirement of Dibang Multipurpose Project, will also generate employment opportuni- ties in the area subject to finalization of modalities Signing of MoU between NMDC and IIT, Hyderabad in the subsequently. presence of Mr. N. Baijendra Kumar, IAS, CMD, NMDC.

62 KaleidOscope May, 2020 in the premises of IIT Hyderabad with a focus to The agreement was signed by Mr. Binay Mallik, foster, nurture and incubate start-up companies AGM (Business Development), NVVN and Mr. with new and innovative ideas in deep technology. Navlendra Kumar Singh, Director (Transport), NMDC would contribute tentatively Rs 10 Crore A&N recently, in the presence of Mr. Mohit for the five-year joint incubation program, and in- Bhargava, CEO, NVVN and other senior officials of tends to support at least 15 start-ups. The objective NTPC and NVVN. of NICE is to promote the spirit of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the country. PFC inks MoA for 100-bed Speaking on occasion Mr. N. Baijendra Kumar, IAS, CMD, NMDC said 'The program aims to promote hospital in Mizoram Amid innovation and entrepreneurship across pan India Presence of Hon’ble Chief by converting and translating technological ideas and innovation in various disciplines of science Minister and engineering into products, processes and ser- vices for commercial exploitation and the benefit of society.

NTPC Forays into Electric Bus Business

PFC officials of Govt of Mizoram exchanging MoA documents in the presence of Hon'ble Chief Minister of Mizoram, Mr. Puzoramthanga and Mr. P. K. Singh, Director (Commercial) PFC.

Power Finance Corporation (PFC), India's lead- ing NBFC, inked an MoA with Health Dept Govt. Exchange of documents after signing of Agreement Mizoram for the construction of a 100-beded between NVVN and Deptt. of Transport, A&N Islands. Hospital at Mamit district at a cost of Rs.18 crore under its CSR initiative. NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd (NVVN), a whol- The MoA (Memorandum of Agreement) was ly-owned subsidiary of NTPC, has signed an agree- signed by Mr. H. Lalengmawia, IAS, Secretary, ment with Department of Transport of Andaman Health,Govt. of Mizoram and Mr. R. Murahari, & Nicobar Islands for the deployment of electric Executive Director (CSR&SD) PFC in pres- buses in the Union Territory. Under this project, the ence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram, Mr. company is offering a complete transport solution, Pu Zoramthanga and Mr. P.K. Singh, Director including twenty air-conditioned electric buses of (Commercial) PFC. nine metres each in phase 1. Apart from deploy- The proposed Hospital would provide medical care ment of electric buses, NTPC and Andaman ad- to the needy people in the villages of Mamit District ministration are collaborating for setting up public which is an Aspirational District and also adjoining charging infrastructure in the Island. villages of Bordering States.

KaleidoKaleidoscope May, 2020 63 PSEs Celebrate International Women's Day 2020

Hindustan Copper International Women’s Celebrates International Day Celebration at Goa Women's Day Shipyard Ltd. International Women’s Day is a global day for celebrating social, economic, cultural and politi- cal achievements of Women. This day is dedicated to women of the world to celebrate womanhood, equality, sisterhood, accomplishments and heights. #Each for Equal, theme for this years International Women’s Day, is about 'Collective Individualism'. This theme for IWD 2020 was the spirit of celebra- tion in Goa Shipyard Limited, Vasco wherein a series of programs were organized by GSL for its Women employees.

International Women's Day being celebrating at HCL.

Healthy and confident women form the cornerstone of a healthy society. In observance of International Women's Day 2020, Hindustan Copper Limited stressed on empowering women through health education and boosting their self-esteem. At the Corporate Office, in a meeting chaired by Mr. Arun Kumar Shukla, CMD, HCL, the women at HCL Corporate Office at Kolkata discussed the theme of the International Women’s Day 2020, #eachforequal, which also prioritizes women Group of Women Employees of GSL Celebrating Interna- empowerment through health education along tional Women's Day. with fighting prejudice and celebrating women's achievements. A Pre Women's Day Bash was held in which a Session named 'Strength of a Woman' by faculties A team of employees from HCL Corporate Office of Resurge Management Consultants was held at at Kolkata visited Jai Hind Abaitanik School to in- teract with the underprivileged girl children. Dr GORC. This half day session was inaugurated by Jayashree Chowdhury, a specialist physician with Ms. Sunita Nagpal, w/o CMD. The session also saw working experience of 30 years who had accompa- distinguished presence of Ms. Sandhya Kamat, w/o nied the team from HCL, spoke to the young girls D(Ops) and Mrs Nandita Jagmohan, w/o D (CPP & about general health and lifestyle, menstrual hy- BD). The session had us ponder upon Versatilities giene, sex education and preventive measures for of women, the grace by which women handle pres- Coronavirus, etc. Study materials, sewing clothes, sure, conflict management etc. There were insight- etc. were distributed among the children and they ful activities of self awareness, appreciation etc. were encouraged to pursue their dreams. Even the menace of Corona virus could not dampen

64 KaleidOscope May, 2020 Nmdc Celebrates International Women’s Day with a Week Long Celebration For NMDC everyday is Women’s Day. NMDC be- lieves in women empowerment and plans to cel- ebrate International Women’s Day in a unique way with all women employees, executives, contract workers, apprentices and other women consultants from the organisation and highlight their contri- bution to family, society, organization and Nation #Har Ek Kaam Desh Ke Naam. NMDC plans for a Sign of equality week long program recently. A competition was organized for women employ- the spirit of the celebration of Women's day. The ees, staff and trainees. The NMDC team visited last program in the series was an Outbound session Kasthurba Ashram and distributed fruits. Yoga/ at Bogmalo Beach resort on the eve of Women's day. Health Wellness programme by M/s Jayganaga The employees were dressed in Green, white and from Life Coaching Academy, Odisha was ar- purple - colour theme of IWD 2020. The program ranged. The event continued with felicitation of was inaugurated by CMD, Cmde B. B. Nagpal, his nursing students undergoing training under Balika good lady Ms. Sunita Nagpal and Capt Jagmohan, D Shiksha Yojna and motivational talk. The program (CPP&BD) in presence of Mr. Manoranjan Khuntia, concluded and graced by former Justice T. Meena GM-HR & A. Kumari and several renowned speakers shared their views on ‘I am Generation Equality: Realizing IREDA Celebrates International Women’s Rights.’ The organisation celebrated womanhood by gifting flowers, chocolates and to- Women’s Day kens of appreciation to the women employees all Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency through the week. Ltd. (IREDA) organised International Women's Day celebration with a health talk by Dr. Anita Malik (Consultant, Radiation Oncologist) at its Corporate Office, New Delhi. Dr. P. Sreenivasan GM (HR & CSR), IREDA felicitated the speaker and greeted women employees for their ex- emplary contribution.

International Women's Day Celebration at NMDC.

At Kasturba Ashram, NMDC cherished moments of togetherness with needy women and children by distributing fruits & there were lively discussions on women empowerment. The week long pro- grammes was graced by CMD, Functional Directors and Senior executives of NMDC.

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 65 Cm, Andhra Pradesh and Nbcc Cmd Discuss Progress of ‘Mission Build Ap’ Initiative

tate Level Monitoring Com-mittee (SLMC) of the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, co-chaired by Mr. Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy, SCM and Mr. P.K. Gupta, CMD, NBCC, accompanied by their of- ficers, recently held meeting in Vijaywada (AP) to review the progress of ambitious ‘Mission Build Ap’ initiative of the Government of Andhra Pradesh which has been entrusted to NBCC. Mr. Gupta during the meeting, apprised CM of various post study rec- ommendations of NBCC with regard to monetization of Government’s various land parcels across the state. CM, while asking the officials to CM, Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Y. S. Jaganmo- han Reddy and Mr. P. K. Gupta, CMD, NBCC make optimum use of Govt. land, appreciated efforts put in by NBCC during the SLMC meeting at Vijayawada. so far and also felicitated NBCC CMD in recognition.

Ncl Registers 6% Growth in Coal Production Ncl Once Again Ready to Hit 100MT Mark in Coal Production and Despatch

he flagship Coal India current financial year till the end the company had despatched arm, Northern Coalfields of February. Similarly, in the first 92.75 million tonnes of coal to all TLimited (NCL) produced eleven months of the current fi- its coal consumers. 98.03 million tonnes of coal in nancial year, NCL dispatched a the first eleven months of cur- total of 99.04 million tonnes of The company’s coal supply to the rent fiscal i.e. from April 2019 to coal to all its coal consumers in- powerhouses had also grown up February 2020 which was 6.3% cluding powerhouses, which was by 4% till February of the current higher than 92.21 million tonnes about 6.8% higher than the coal fiscal. The company has supplied of coal produced in the same despatched during the same pe- 80.48 million tonnes of coal to the period of last fiscal and about riod of last financial year. During powerhouses during the first of 102% of the target set for the the same period in the last fiscal, the current financial year.

ITDC Observes Samrasta Divas; Preamble read at the Digital Gathering

ndia Tourism Development economist, politician and social Director, ITDC in the presence Corporation Ltd, follow- reformer. Celebrating his 129th of Directors and other senior of- Iing the social distancing birthday and revering him as ficials of ITDC over an online guidelines, observed Samrasta one of the architects of the Indian meeting. The occasion reiterated Divas digitally, recently. This Constitution, the Preamble was the impending need to follow the Divas marks the birth of Dr. BR read by Mr. G Kamala Vardhana tenets of the constitution in its Ambedkar, an Indian jurist, Rao, Chairman & Managing true letter and spirit.

66 KaleidOscope May, 2020 Four AAI Airports Amongst Best Rated in the World

Chandigarh Airport. Lucknow Airport.

Mangaluru Airport. Trivandrum Airport.

irports Authority of Ind- the world in recently announced Airport Operators). ASQ Awards ia continuous thrust on ASQ awards for the year 2019. recognize those airports around the Aenhanced passenger con- These airports won 10 awards in world that deliver the best customer venience and superlative services four categories. experience in the opinion of has been yielding results year af- Airport Service Quality (ASQ) their own passengers. In the year ter year. In continuation to the glo- survey is the world-renowned 2019, ACI-ASQ survey was car- rious tradition of providing excel- and internationally established ried out at around 356 airports lent services to its customers and global benchmarking programme across North America, Latin passion for providing world-class measuring passengers’ satisfac- America and Caribbean, Europe, airports by AAI, four AAI air- tion, whilst they travel through an Africa, Middle East and Asia. The ports - Chandigarh, Mangaluru, airport, conducted by the Airports ASQ survey results are moni- Trivandrum and Lucknow were Council International (ACI), (a tored by AERA, NITI Aayog yet again adjudged the best in global non-profit organization of and MoCA.

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 67 Launch of Customer Payment Portal by HIL (India) Limited

eeping pace with Govt. of or offices. This new initiative India’s vision of ‘Digital will provide one step platform KIndia’, HIL (India) Limi- facilitating online payment, data ted, association with Union Bank maintenance, customized MIS re- of India, has taken a land mark port and seamless reconciliation initiative and launched Customer of financial records. Payment Portal (CPP) to collect Above Portal was launched by the payment from its customers Dr. S.P. Mohanty (Chairman and through various online modes Managing Director), Mr. Anjan for faster and smoother collec- Banerjee (Director, Finance) of Left to right: Mr. G. K. Sudhakar Rao, tion of dues. This portal will HIL (India) Limited and Mr. R. Regional Head, South, UBI, Mr. R. K. help the customers of HIL to pay Jaglan, Head, Government Business, K. Jaglan (Head, Government their dues in a quick and conve- UBI, Dr. S. P. Mohanty, Chairman and Business Department), Mr. G. K. Managing Director, HIL and Mr. Anjan nient manner by any Debit Card, Sudhakar Rao (Regional Head, Banerjee, Director, Finance, HIL at the Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI or Delhi South) of Union Bank of launch of CPP. online wallets from their homes India.

Celebration of Constitution Day, Ambedkar Jayanti at HAL

AL organised various pro- grams as part of Celebration Hof Constitution Day and Ambedkar Jayanti at its various loca- tions across the country. Mr. R. Madhavan, CMD, HAL paid trib- ute to Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar at HAL Senior Officers’ Enclave, Bengaluru along with other senior offi- cials of the company. The team of senior officers also read the Preamble and de- liberated on Citizens’ Duties Awareness Programme (CDAP) as part of the cel- ebration of the Constitution Day.

HAL officials Celebrating Ambedkar Jayanti.

68 KaleidOscope May, 2020 GAIL Director (Finance) Reviews ‘Urja Ganga’

Progress, Briefs Analysts and Investors about Preparedness of JHBDPL Project

AIL Director (Finance) Mr.A K Tiwari reviewed Gproject progress of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga’ pipeline project and met Analysts and Investors to brief them about the project. 23 Analysts and Investors visited various sites of Jagdishpur - Haldia & Bokaro - Dhamra (JHBDPL) project to have an insight of the physical progress of the project. Mr. A. K. Tiwari, Director (Finance), GAIL addressing the Analysts and Investors.

HAL Hands Over 50th Set of L-40 Stage of GSLV-MKII to ISRO

AL handed over the one of the most reliable part- Amitabh Bhatt, CEO-BC, Dr. V. 50th L-40 stage of Geo ners of ISRO for the past three Narayanan, Director-LPSC of HSynchronous Launch decades and has contributed ISRO, Dr. A Manimaran, Dy. Vehicle (GSLV-MKII) to ISRO at a and participated in almost all of Director (MME, LPSC), Mr. Mihir program hed recently. This L-40 ISRO's ambitious projects namely Mishra, General Manager (HAL stage is meant for GSLV MKII- F12 Chandrayaan-I, Chandrayaan- Aerospace Division) and other Flight planned by ISRO in August II, Mangalyaan and upcoming officials of ISRO and HAL were 2020.The Aerospace Division of projects like Gaganyaan. Mr. present on the occasion. HAL has so far integrated and supplied L-40 stages for 12 flights of GSLV MKII including the GSLV MKII -F10 flight planned in the first week of March-2020. Apart from the Integrated L-40 stages, HAL is manufacturing the riveted structures, propellant tanks, feedlines of PSLV, GSLV MKII and GSLV MKIII launch vehicles and structures of vari- ous satellites for ISRO. HAL is HUDCO Marks its Golden Jubilee

the nation. In the wake of the corona pandemic, the use of information technology to enable virtual celebration of the Foundation Day, was a historic first. Mr. Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the Chief Guest on the occasion, addressed the officials and appreciated HUDCO’s contribution towards nation build- ing. He urged HUDCO to continue to dream big and strive innovatively to address the challenges in the habitat sector and to develop as a knowledge hub among the SAARC and Commonwealth nations, particularly post the COVID pan- demic. Further, Mr. Mishra stressed the need to learn from our past experiences and go beyond our usual business so as to achieve our dream of making India a developed nation by 2030. Mr. Shiv Das Meena, CMD, HUDCO congratulated the employees for their commitment and dedication over n the occasion of HUDCO’s Golden decades, that has made HUDCO a continuously profit mak- Jubi-lee, more than 1000 officials ing enterprise with a unique business model of ‘profitabil- Oand stakeholders from across ity with social justice’. Mr. M. Nagaraj, Director (Corp-orate the country joined a live webcast event to Planning) welcomed the participants and Mr. D.Guhan, mark 50 years of distinguished service to Director (Finance) proposed the vote of thanks.

PERSONALIA

Mr. Manoj Jain Mr. Shiv Das Meena, IAS Mr. P. K. Purwar Mr. Rakesh Chopra Mr. Ravinder Singh Dhillon CMD, GAIL assumes assumes charge as CMD, BSNL assumes assumes charge assumes charge as additional charge as CMD of HUDCO. additional charge as as MD of REIL. CMD of PFC. Chairman of Mahanagar Gas. CMD of MTNL.

Mr. Dilip Kumar Patel Mr. Y. K. Chaubey Mr. Ramesh Babu V Mr Baban Singh Mr. Sandip Das assumes charge assumes charge as assumes charge as assumes charge as Director assumes charge as Director as Director (HR) Director (Technical) at Director (Operations), (Technical/Projects & [Fin.] & Chief Financial Officer of NTPC. NHPC Limited. NTPC Ltd. Planning) of MCL. of Balmer Lawrie & Co.

70 KaleidOscope May, 2020 Production Activities Picks up Pace at GSL

hip production activities the company. Compulsory use at, Goa Shipyard Limited, of mask is being enforced and Srestarted after coming to a vehicles are being sanitized be- complete halt on 22 March 2020 fore entry to the yard. Further, a due to the COVID-19 lockdown, large number of hands-free sani- ordered by State / Central gov- tizer dispensing units have been ernment to prevent spread of placed at various locations and CORONA virus epidemic. Before personnel are encouraged to use resuming production activities, them frequently. GSL has taken various measures Social distancing norms are be- as per MHA guidelines to mini- ing strictly adhered to inside the mize risk of spread of COVID-19 yard. Company has started work- in the yard. Production activities ing in 2 shifts to eliminate crowd- are gradually picking up pace ing at work place. No visitors shipyard has quickly adapted and the manpower strength is are being permitted inside the to paperless working. Shipyard being increased in phased man- yard and all meetings etc are be- has arranged transportation of ner. All the personnel are being ing held through virtual modes. its workers from various parts of screened at the entry gates by Due to GSL’s inherent strength Goa and has discontinued can- the Health Wardens deputed by in working on ERP based system, teen services for time being.

Ncl at New Heights in Coal Production and Dispatch Surpasses Coal Production and Dispatch Targets Both Best Performance in its 34 Years of Journey

orthern Coalfields Ltd (NCL) has once again Noutshined in its perfor- mance. The company has pro- duced more coal than its assigned targets and has also crossed dis- patch targets of FY 2019-20. The company till the last day of the financial year has pro- duced 108.05 MT coal with 6.45% growth surpassing its annual target of 106.25 MT coal produc- tion. Similarly, the company has NCL also achieved its highest- in Coal Production, Dispatch, also surpassed its annual coal dis- ever single day production with and OBR for the FY 2019-20. The patch targets of 106.25 MT by dis- 4.13 Lakhs Tonnes of Coal and company has dispatched more patching 107.42 MT of coal with NCL is the only subsidiary of Coal than 80% of its total dispatch to 5.75% growth y-o-y. India to have positive growth powerhouses.

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 71 NHPC Explores Renewable Energy Plans in Telangana

r. A. K. Singh, CMD, NHPC and Mr. MJanardan Choudhary, Director (Technical), NHPC along with team from Renewable Energy Division, NHPC held a series of meetings with senior Telangana State dignitaries at Hyderabad to discuss NHPC’s intentions for development of techno-commercially viable Solar Power Projects in Telegana State. During their visit CMD, NHPC & Director (Technical), NHPC held Mr. A. K. Singh, CMD, NHPC holding meeting with Telangana State dignitaries in discussions with Mr. Ajay Mishra, Hyderabad. IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Energy Department, Government CMD, NHPC also met Mr. N. Ramakrishna, Project Director, of Telangana, Mr. Prabhakar Rao, Janaiah, Vice Chairman & Mana- TSREDCO and held discus- CMD, TSTRANSCO and other ging Director, Telangana State sions regarding development top government functionaries Renewable Energy Development of Floating Solar, Ground on the possibilities of coopera- Corporation (TSREDCO) along Mounted and Canal Top Solar tion in the Renewable Energy in with Mr. G. Prasad, General projects in association with Telangana. Manager, TSREDCO and Mr. TSREDCO.

NTPC’s installed capacity crosses 62,000 MW with NEEPCO, THDCIL Acquisitions

- Largest Power Producer Ends FY20 with 13% Addition in Total Installed Capacity- - NTPC Augments its Hydro Portfolio by 2,625 MW

TPC Ltd announced capacity stood at 55,126 MW. commercial capacity now stands that its total installed The overall hydro portfolio of at 62110 MW and 61126 respec- Ncapacity at the group NTPC Ltd has reached 3,425 tively. The present installed level has risen to 62,110 MW after MW. Further, overall addition capacity of NTPC group com- stake acquisitions in NEEPCO & in the capacity of India’s larg- prises 45 NTPC Stations i.e. 24 THDCIL. With completion of the est power producer includes Coal based, 7 combined cy- twin acquisitions, NTPC Group 1,757 MW of NEEPCO and 1,537 cle gas/liquid fuel, 1 Hydro, has added nearly 13% capac- MW of THDCIL, which includes 13 Renewables and 25 JV & ity in the current financial year additions in Hydro, Wind, Subsidiaries stations i.e. 9 Coal, that ended on March 31. At the Gas and Solar projects. NTPC 4 Gas/liquid fuel, 8 Hydro, 4 end of March 2019, NTPC’s total Group’s total installed and Renewables.

72 KaleidOscope May, 2020 Port Quiz - for the Employees of Cochin Port Trust

ort Quiz - the quiz pro- 8 departments of the Port. Final gramme for the employees session was conducted jointly Pof Cochin Port Trust was by Dr. M. Beena IAS and Mr. conducted at Samudrika Hall, Snehej Srinivas in which 6 teams Cochin Port Trust, Willingdon selected from the prelim-session Island. The programme led by participated. famous quiz master Mr. Snehaj The team comprising Mr. Joji Srinivas and team, was inau- Paul K and Ms. Anjana N. bagged gurated by Dr. M. Beena IAS, the first prize. Mr. Biju B. N. Chairperson, Cochin Port Trust. and Mr. Bright Antony P. Hormis The event was supported by M/s Dignitaries distributing Certificates to won the second prize and the Winners of the Port Quiz. Petronet LNG Ltd. Knowledge Mr. George Prakash James support for the program was giv- and Mr. M. X. Joseph won the distributed certificates to the en by Q- factory, Kozhikode. third prize. Dr. M. Beena IAS, prize winners. Heads of Depart- The preliminary round was at- Chairperson and Mr. Hemant ments of Cochin Port Trust were tended by 140 employees from H. Bahura, GM, Petronet LNG also present. REC Commits Financial Assistance to Impart Vocational & Skill Training to 1800 Women

its CSR arm, REC Foundation. The main objective of the project is to enhance the employabil- ity of poor and deprived youths through vocational and skill trainings. The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) in this re- gard was executed between REC Foundation and TCIT in New Delhi. Mr. S. N. Srinivas, CEO, REC Foundation, on behalf of REC Foundation and Ms. Anita Signing of MoU between REC Foundation and TCIT. Rajan, CEO, TCIT, on behalf of TCIT signed the Memorandum EC Ltd. (Formerly Rural (TCIT) for imparting job-oriented of Agreement in the presence Electrification Corporation skill development training to 1800 of Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, RLimited), committed fi- women belonging to EWS/SC/ST/ Director (Technical), REC Ltd., nancial assistance of Rs. 2.79 residing in Chandel, Manipur, Mr. Ajoy Choudhury, ED (CSR), crore under its CSR initiative to Muzaffarpur, Uttarakhand, Bihar REC Ltd. and other officials of Tata Community Initiatives Trust & Udham Singh Nagar through REC and TCIT.

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 73 THDCIL Successfully Organizes 22nd ICPSU Table Tennis Tournament at THDCIL

HDCIL successfully or- ganized 22nd Inter Central TPower Sector Undertakings (ICPSU) Table Tennis Tournament at THDC India Limited (THD- CIL), Rishikesh under the aegis of Power Sports Control Board, Ministry of Power, Govt. of India. The final match in Team event was played between PGCIL and BBMB, where PGCIL became the winner. SJVNL secured the third place. In the Double event match, Mr. Ronal Singh and Mr. Mr. D. V. Singh, CMD, THDCIL presenting prizes to the Winners of the 22nd ICPSU J. Mukherjee of PGCIL won the Table Tennis Tournament at THDCIL. title against Mr. Gaurav Sahani and Mr. Naresh Kumar of BBMB. While expressing his thoughts, Managers Mr. L.P. Joshi, Mr. G.S. Navneet and Paramjeet of BBMB Mr. Singh emphasized the im- Chaudhery & Mr. Kumar Sharad, secured third place in the same portance of Sports in bringing AGM (P&A) Mr. N.K. Prasad and event. The Single Event Final discipline and shaping an organi- DGM (CC) Dr. A.N.Tripathy and match was played between Mr. zation and also the importance of other senior officials and employ- Ronal Singh and Mr. J.Mujkherjee sports spirit amongst players and ees of the Corporation. of PGCIL where Mr. Ronal won their team. Total 10 teams of Power Sector the title. The event was attended by viz. Ministry of Power (MOP), The Chief Guest of the Closing Director (P) Mr. Vijay Goel, POWERGRID, BBMB, DVC, CEA, Ceremony, Mr. D.V. Singh, CMD Director (F) Mr. J. Behera, CVO PFC, SJVNL, NHPC, POSOCO THDCIL gave away the priz- Mr. B.P.Gupta, ED (Servises/S&E) and host team THDCIL partici- es and medals to the winners. Mr. H. L. Bharaj and General pated in this tournament.

BEML Bags Major Order from Coal India

EML Limited, bagged or- value of the order is Rs.398 cr. BEML Dump Track. der from Coal India Limi- Indigenously designed and de- Bted for supply of 7 nos. veloped by BEML, these Dump 150-T and 8 nos. 205E-T Dump Trucks are being manufactured Trucks under trial cum sale at its Mysore complex. These along with 8 years spare parts products will address the grow- contract. These Dumpers will be ing demand for higher capacity deployed at Coal India subsidiar- equipment in the mining indus- ies viz SECL’s Gevra Project and try and will enhance its produc- M/s NCL’s Amlohri & Nigahi tion substantially. Projects respectively. The total

74 KaleidOscope May, 2020 IRCON Contributes Rs 20.5 crore to PMCARES Fund

rcon International Limited is one of the biggest challenges years has been partnering with (IRCON) has come forward to that our country is facing and it the Government towards nation Iprovide an additional finan- has been unprecedented in its se- building. We are confident that as cial assistance of Rs. 15.5 crore verity. We at IRCON, has always a nation, we will be able to over- to PMCARES Fund for fighting been at the forefront in times of come this exceptional situation COVID-19. This amount is in ad- need for the country. The biggest and emerge a stronger nation. dition to Rs 5 crore assistance an- need at this time is to be united IRCON employees have also nounced earlier. Company’s total and strengthen the hands of the come forward and supported contribution to PMCARES Fund Government of India. We as re- company’s endeavor by donat- now amounts to Rs 20.5 crore, in- sponsible company have been ing their one day’s salary for cluding contribution of Rs 51 lakh assessing the situation and have this COVID-19 fund. Total by the employees. decided to enhance our contribu- amount of Rs 51 lakh was con- Mr. S. K. Chaudhary, CMD, tion. Further, Mr. S. K. Chaudhary tributed by all employee of Ircon IRCON said that the Covid-19 said that, IRCON, through the International Ltd.

BHEL Optimises Emphasis on Employee Engagement during the Lockdown; Nearly 21,000 Employees Benefit though renewed Focus on E-learning

ndaunted by the un- creativity & productivity of em- (Unnayan). During such difficult precedented halt in op- ployees. The company has created times, BHEL is also very effective- Uerations due to the lock- more than 230 learning opportu- ly using the power of social media, down, Bharat Heavy Electricals nities through various e-learning not only for instant, seamless and Limited (BHEL) has achieved a courses / webinars / trainings on authentic communication across major milestone by successfully technical, functional, managerial the organisation but also for shar- implementing a huge employee and behavioral domains. These ing details of learning & develop- engagement initiative. In the past opportunities are the joint efforts ment opportunities along with in- one month, the company has of BHEL’s Corporate Learning formation on latest developments, reached out to nearly 21,000 em- & Development Division, Engi- circulars & advisories. BHEL’s ployees to maintain continuity neering Division – Project Engin- monthly journal ‘Ekam’ is also be- and to facilitate the transition to eering Management and various ing shared digitally on this forum. work-from-home. Significantly, training centres spread across During the review of BHEL’s in addition to focusing on the BHEL’s units. BHEL has exten- L&D Initiatives during the lock- health and wellbeing of its em- sively used its in-house skill, ex- down period, Secretary (Heavy ployees, BHEL has effectively pertise and domain experts in Industries) lauded BHEL’s efforts used this lockdown as an oppor- developing e-modules that are and encouraged them to continue tunity to sharpen the skill set and available on its e-Learning Portal with its innovative initiatives.

Kaleidoscope May, 2020 75 BEL Achieves Record Turnover in Excess of Rs.12,500 Crores

harat Electronics Limited executed during FY 2019-20 parts, etc. BEL’s CMD, Mr. M. V. (BEL) posted a turnover in were Command & Control Gowtama, said, 'The global lock- Bexcess of Rs.12,500 crores Systems, Thermal Imagers for down due to COVID-19 and the (Provisional & Unaudited) dur- tanks, Upgrade of communica- economic slowdown had some ing the Financial Year 2019-20. tion system, Land Based EW sys- impact on BEL during the last The company had a growth of 6% tems, Weapon Repair Facility, month of the last quarter of FY over the previous year's turnover Electronic Fuzes, various Radars, 2019-20. Execution/ acceptance of Rs.11,789 crores. Smart City Projects, Delhi of some of the major projects BEL's Order Book as on 1.4.2020 CCTV project, Schilka Upgrade, could not be completed due to was Rs. 51,800 Crs. The year saw Avionics Package for LCA, Force Majeure which otherwise BEL securing significant orders Classroom Jammers, Real Time would have further contrib- worth Rs. 13,000 Cr. Some of the Information System for Railways uted to BEL’s revenues during major orders acquired during the and LRSAM. FY 2019-20 itself. However, BEL year are Akash (7 Sqdn), Coastal BEL achieved Export sales of US$ remained focused on enhance- Surveillance Systems (CSS), 48.59 Million during FY 2019- ment of its capabilities and Upgrade for EW system, Radars, 20. Major products exported in- competitiveness through di- AMCs for Radars & Weapon cluded Cable Looms, Coastal versification, continuous mod- systems, Software Defined Surveillance System Spares, ernisation, indigenisation and Radio (SDR), Sonars, Advanced Radar, Compact Multi-Purpose outsourcing to Indian indus- Communication Systems, etc. Advanced Stabilization System tries with increased thrust on Some of the flagship projects (CoMPASS), Electro Mechanical MSME sector.

GAIL in Readiness to Quick Start Project Execution, Post Lockdown

AIL is in readiness to catch-up plans for various loca- labourers working at various resume construction of tions and work fronts to ensure sites/camps during the lockdown Gvarious hydrocarbon in- timely completion and avoid period for ensuring safety of all frastructure projects of national any slippages. Graded measures concerned. Detailed SOPs / pro- importance, post lifting of the in the short to medium term tocols have also been devised for COVID-19 led lockdown. In order shall be rolled out starting with ensuring hygiene and social dis- to kick start the crucial infrastruc- the support of local administra- tancing norms, promoting use ture projects to enable expansion tive authorities across the States. of masks at the project sites and of the gas based economy, GAIL The Company has in the mean- work stations in compliance with along with its Subsidiary and while facilitated arrangements the instructions/ guidelines is- JV companies has chalked out for continued stay of the migrant sued by the Government of India.

76 KaleidOscope May, 2020