Concern over next CMD of BVFCL

DIBRUGARH, Dec 4: As the employees of the Namrup based Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizers Corporation Limited await with expectancy as to who will be their next Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) together with the other residents of Namrup, there is a knowledgeable section who feels that the decision of the Central Government in this regard will have far reaching implication on the future of the company itself. Given the situation the company finds it presently, they expect and hope that the appointment will be made not on political or other extraneous grounds but on competency alone.

As is well known the BVFCL is without a full time CMD from the early part of year 2008 till this time. From time to time the company was headed by CMDs from the other Centre run Rastriya Fertilizer Corporation Limited and National Fertilizer Limited who were given additional charge. Both were giants in the fertilizer industry with proven track records in Engineering and Technology and also in administrative efficiency. However, in spite of their best efforts, they were not able to pay full attention to the affairs of BVFCL and thus there is a demand for a full time CMD for the company.

It is understood that the authorities had short-listed some aspirants and has recommended their names.

A cross section of the employees both present and past, who are most concerned with the fate of the factory and also a fair number of residents of Namrup are of the opinion that giving the present situation of the company and with the demand for another unit- the old units being totally unviable presently- a man of proven engineering capability is essential to lead the company. Also having a long standing relationship with the fertilizer industry will be another essential qualification. These people are of the firm view that only a person with a sound engineering background can only provide the necessary leadership to the company if it is to see better days in future. Any faulty decision in this regard, the respondents are of the view, will be the last nail in the coffin!

The fertilizer factory in Namrup has aged machinery which result in low production and consequent unviability. Coupled with the above is the large scale attrition of capable engineers because of faulty personnel and administrative policies. For faulty administration of the provident fund trust of the company, committed when a non-engineer was incidentally the CMD of the corporation, the provident fund which was hitherto allowed to be administered by the corporation, was ordered by the PF authority to be wound up and the fund transferred to the authorities. In fact, it has been the experience of the employees that a CMD with non-engineering qualification and experience will be more prone to keep his mind occupied with matters which is “non-core” to a chemical engineering industry which is basically engineering and technology based. It is with this background the general feeling is that the Central Government make its decision keeping in mind the requirement of the industry and not be swayed by political, parochial and such other extraneous considerations. Any faulty decision at this time, just to diffuse the demand for a permanent CMD, the residents and employees are of the opinion will have a far reaching and disastrous consequences. THE SENTINEL