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Nazira: Members of the ONGC Purbanchal Employees’ Association (OPEA) staged a peaceful sit-in protest at the Assam Asset in Nazira, raising concerns over the recent discontinuation of a specific overtime payment. The union claims that the change affects employee welfare, while the company maintains that the payment in question was not admissible.
According to ONGC, the protest comes at a time when the company has been incurring financial losses from its operations in Assam, driven by low production levels and high manpower costs. Company officials emphasized that cost-cutting measures are essential for sustaining operations in the region.
The OPEA also alleged that medical facilities for employees and retirees have been stopped. However, ONGC clarified that this claim is factually incorrect. The company explained that only the mode of availing medical benefits has changed—from direct credit to a reimbursement model—introduced to prevent misuse and malpractice of the welfare scheme. This change applies to both current and former employees.
Despite ongoing financial pressure, ONGC reiterated its strong commitment to Assam through a variety of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. These include investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and skill development. A notable example is the Siu-Ka-Pha Hospital in Sivasagar, which provides vital healthcare services to local communities.
Industry analysts suggest that while the changes have led to temporary dissatisfaction among some employees, they are part of a broader strategy to ensure the long-term sustainability of ONGC’s operations in the region. The company has confirmed that dialogue with employee representatives remains ongoing, and the situation at the Nazira site is stable.
