National

"I'm Shielding No One"

A.N. Jha, chairman and managing director, NPCC, feels that he is on the way to turning the company around, and all those corruption charges are just motivated hurdles in his path.

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"I'm Shielding No One"
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On salaries not being paid:The corporation is carrying a surplus workforce of about 1,100. We are fully dependent on the government for non-plan loans, assistance as well as budgetary support. The salaries have not been paid only in the closed units for 10 months. As soon as the funds are received, the salaries shall be released. I am sorry to say that I am heading an organisation which is incurring cash losses and unfortunately where salaries are not being paid.

On shielding corrupt officials and giving  them key positions:This is incorrect. Itmay be appreciated that in the process of maintaining discipline, officers have to resort to strict measures. These, in turn, lead to a number of motivated complaints. I have not put any tainted official in any key position with any additional financial and administrative powers except those delegated already.

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On the Malhotra case: Malhotra was reinstated by the competent authority after examining all aspects relating to the case, when none of the charges against Malhotra could be established. The decision was ratified by the board of directors. He interacts with various unions and often differs from them. He is a target of the union. He has no access to sensitive documents relating to his case.

On unnecessary transfers: Transfers are strictly being done keeping in view the requirements. At every stage of activity—earth removing, levelling, structuring, etc—different types of specifications are required, and therefore, manpower is transferred to that particular situation. While there is a policy to rotate people in the Northeast every three years, nobody wants to go there. Instead, they go to court. I am under great pressure from the ministry, politicians and the unions.

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On the Mohanty case: The matter is subjudice before the high court in Calcutta, and also CBI is seized of the matter.

On false tours: Based on the complaints,documents were called for and have been received from the unit along with their comments. These are under examination.

On sub-contracting work: Of the currentorder book position of Rs 276 crore, only about Rs 60 to 70 crore is sub-contracted. This is because under the CPWD format, we are not allowed to supervise ourselves. We are taking these jobs on a nominal profit of between 5 and 7 per cent, so that our people remain engaged.

On the future of NPCC:We can make NPCC.We need the support of the government. The revival plan is almost through. I am confident that we are going to improve our order book position. If we have to survive, we have to get orders. You think the glass is half-empty? I think it's half-full. I'm a positive person.

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