13 Promotions Trigger Row in NHPC, Union Alleges ₹36 Lakh Monthly Loss; NHPC Rejects Charges
SHIMLA/FARIDABAD, JUNE 26: A fresh controversy has erupted in National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) after the Parbati Employees and Workers Union alleged that 13 employees were promoted and posted against non-sanctioned posts, resulting in an estimated financial burden of nearly ₹36 lakh per month on the public sector undertaking.
The union lodged complaints with the Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India, the Chief Vigilance Officer, and the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of NHPC, alleging irregularities in promotions and postings at the corporation.
According to the complaint, 13 officials from various grades ranging from E-3 to E-8 were promoted and posted in NHPC's Liaison Office, Lucknow, and Bundelkhand Saur Urja Limited (BSUL), Lucknow, despite the absence of sanctioned posts for several of these positions. The union claimed that salaries, allowances and other benefits paid to these officials have resulted in a recurring expenditure of around ₹36 lakh every month.
The Parbati Employees and Workers Union alleged that the promotions and postings were made in a "pick-and-choose" manner, bypassing established norms and creating additional financial liabilities for the PSU. It sought a vigilance inquiry into the matter and demanded that accountability be fixed on officials responsible for processing and approving the postings.
However, the union's complaint did not find favour with the NHPC management. According to union representatives, the matter was brought to the notice of NHPC CMD, who dismissed the allegations, maintaining that the promotions and postings had been carried out within the powers vested in the CMD's office and were in accordance with the authority available to the management.
The CMD's stand has further fuelled resentment among a section of employees, who argue that the issue is not merely about administrative powers but about whether public money is being spent on positions that were not formally sanctioned.
The union has reiterated its demand for an independent investigation by the Ministry of Power and NHPC's vigilance wing, claiming that only a transparent probe can determine whether the promotions and postings were justified and in conformity with NHPC's rules and manpower requirements.
NHPC Management has dismissed allegations as baseless as promotions and pay packets were as per NHPC norms.
