Guv pledges to take up HEC issue with Centre to ‘save PSU’

Ranchi: Jharkhand governor Ramesh Bais on Monday inaugurated a modernised LPG-fired reheating furnace at Heavy Engineering Corporation Ltd.(HEC), Ranchi, pointing out that with a little bit of effort, the ailing PSU, now 63 years old, could be back on the rails.
“During my long political career spanning over several decades, I had been associated with various state and central PSUs.I am aware of the functioning of PSUs in the country. HEC, Ranchi, is now passing through a very difficult phase where it is finding it difficult to even pay wages to its employees. I would take up the HEC issue with the Union government and do everything possible to save the corporation,” the governor said while talking to newsmen at HEC, Ranchi on Monday.
HEC made a detailed presentation before the governor after viewing which Bais said with a little effort, the PSU could be brought back on track.
“Today, I toured the various plants of HEC, spoke to officers, workers and trade union leaders. I have also been reading on the problems at HEC in the newspapers. I appeal to all workers to extend their fullest cooperation to revive HEC. I would soon be going to New Delhi, where I intend to meet Union heavy industries minister on the HEC issue. I would put in all my efforts to revive HEC,” the governor added.
The governor was accompanied by Dr Nalin Shinghal, HEC CMD, directors, officials, workers and trade union representatives. However, HEC CMD, despite requests, declined to talk to the media. The Monday visit of governor came after two HEC directors — Rana S.Chakravarty (production and marketting) and Mradul Kumar Saxena (personnel) — called on the governor at Raj Bhavan on Sunday and invited him to inaugurate an LPG-fired reheating furnace at HEC.