Assam govt writes to the Liquidator; seeks 1 month time for revival of defunct HPC paper mills

Sept. 12: The fate of the two defunct HPC paper mills of Assam (Nagaon & Panchgram) is supposed to be decided at National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on 14 September, 2020. It is in this connection that Debabrata Saikia, leader of the opposition in Assam Legislative Assembly wrote to Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister of Assam urging him to hold discussions with the Centre and arrive at a consensus regarding revival of the two paper mills on PPP basis, so that a formal proposal may be submitted to the NCLT before 14th September.

Saikia further wrote, “In case the Government cannot decide at this moment as to whether it can provide incentives along the lines of the Government of Telangana, then I urge you kindly to at least send a letter to the NCLT before 14th September, requesting that any decision on liquidation should be deferred for some time as, in accordance with your commitment.”

It is in this backdrop that the Industry and Commerce department of government of Assam wrote to Kuldeep Verma, Liquidator of HPCL seeking one month time for revival of the defunct HPC paper mills as the “state government is making sincere efforts and pursuing the matter with the central government for revival of the closed mills and clearance of all dues of employees and workers”.

The letter written by the Secretary to the Government of Assam, Industries & Commerce Department on 10 September, 2020 to the liquidator Kuldeep Verma stated that, “As you are aware that the Hon’ble NCLT in its order dated 28th August, 2020 has directed you to place the revival scheme for its consideration. Government of Assam has always taken a stand that the closed HPCL mills must be revived at the earliest. Due to closure of the mills over thousands of workers and employees have been rendered jobless. Local economy has also got severely affected.”

The letter finally stated that, “In fact, the state government has consistently been taking up the matter with Ministry of Heavy Industries Government of India for revival of the mills and payment of all outstanding pay and other dues to the workers and employees. Hon’ble Chief Minister has been personally pursuing the matter at the highest level in the Central Government. In view of the above, I am directed to request you to kindly take up the matter with Honble NCLT to grant one month time as the state government is making sincere efforts and pursuing the matter with Central Government for revival of the closed mills and clearances of all dues of employees and workers.”

Reacting to this, Manabendra Chakraborty, President of HPC Paper Mills Revival Committee said, “Being in power for more then 4 years, in between 71 Workers died including three who committed suicide due to non-payment of salary since last 45 months, Now, while assembly elections is knocking at the door in Assam, the State Government has sought one months time for action. We hope this time it would be a real deliberation to save the industries in true sense and honour the commitment made by the government to the people of Assam.”

Also Read: 7 days to go for hearing of HPC mills at NCLT; Debabrata Saikia urges govt to save the paper mills