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The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully launched the Chandrayaan 3 mission, marking another significant step in India's mission to explore the South Pole of the Moon. With this launch, India became the first country to embark on a fact-finding mission into this uncharted territory. The nation was filled with pride as 140 crore Indians witnessed the remarkable feat of ISRO. However, behind the scenes, the story takes a different turn.
The Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) in Ranchi, Jharkhand played a pivotal role in preparing the Chandrayaan 3 launch pad ahead of the set deadline. Vital equipment and materials were delivered to ISRO in December 2022, well in advance of launch. Unfortunately, HEC engineers and executives have been dealing with a harrowing reality: they have not received their salaries for almost a year and a half.
HEC, a public sector organization operating under the Central Department of Heavy Industries, is no stranger to the problem of unpaid wages. Previously there had been reports that the organization's employees were suffering due to late payments.
Unpaid Chandrayaan-3 engineers' salaries
In May, someone reported that 2,700 workers and 450 executives had not received their salaries for 14 months. Subsequently, in November 2022, IANS revealed that the officers had not paid for an entire year, and the employees had to endure an eight to nine-month delay in pay.
Despite getting orders worth Rs. Rs 1500 crore from prominent entities like ISRO, MoD, Railways, Coal India and the steel industry, about 80% of the work on HEC is still pending due to lack of funds.
Applications for HEC financial assistance from the Central Department of Heavy Industries, amounting to Rs. 1000 crores, have gone unanswered. Furthermore, the central government has neglected the vacant Chief Managing Director (CMD) position at HEC for the past two and a half years.
Amidst their financial difficulties, the dedicated engineers at HEC took pride in the successful launch of Chandrayaan 3. Subhash Chandra, an engineer at HEC, expressed his joy at being a part of this momentous project that holds immense importance for the nation.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission, built with a budget of about Rs. 600 crores, signifies India's relentless pursuit of space exploration and scientific breakthroughs.
Why India pays low salary to Indian space scientists?
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) pays salaries to its scientists, which can vary widely based on several key factors. These factors include an individual’s level of experience, educational background, job role, and the specific location of their employment.
The range of INR 15000 to 40000 falls within the basic monthly salary received by ISRO scientists.
ISRO brings in talented engineering graduates from recognized universities by conducting recruitment drives for the position of Scientist/Engineer 'SC.' These recruitments cover a range of engineering disciplines.
ISRO has updated the salary of its scientists in line with the 7th Pay Commission recommendations, which is noteworthy. Aspiring candidates can delve into the specifics of the salary structure, as well as explore the various perks and benefits associated with these roles.
Why have HEC workers not been paid in 17 months?
In response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Heavy Industries Krishan Pal Gurjar confirmed that HEC, a separate legal entity registered under the Companies Act, needs to generate its own resources to pay the salaries of its employees.
Due to its continuous losses and huge liabilities, HEC is currently facing an acute financial crisis resulting in unpaid salaries for workmen and officers, which amounts to approximately 14 months and 18 months respectively.
In response to another query, the minister also stated that HEC had not manufactured any components for the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
Executives of HEC surrounded two directors at Dhurwa headquarters on June 17, asking for their pending salaries, due for 17 months.
The HEC management assured, leading executives to end their five-month strike (initiated on December 3, 2022) three months back. However, protests resumed due to inaction.
Meanwhile, debts have increased to such an extent that employees are not getting paid. In fact, for the last two and a half years, there has been no appointment of any permanent CMD in the HEC.
HEC, a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, is located in Ranchi's Dhurwa area. It is one of India's oldest public sector units that supplies equipment to major steel plants across the country.
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