SECL constitutes high-level committee to examine complaints on employment in lieu of land
Bilaspur, August 12
South Eastern Coalfields Limited has constituted a High-Level Standing Review Committee to examine complaints related to employment in lieu of land and ensure their fair, transparent and time-bound disposal.
The committee will examine individual cases based on available records, documents and evidence and submit its recommendations to the competent authority, according to the release.
The committee will be headed by General Manager (Land & Revenue), SECL Headquarters, Bilaspur. General Managers of Planning & Projects, Human Resources/Manpower and Human Resources/Industrial Relations, along with Deputy General Manager (Legal), SECL Headquarters, Bilaspur, will be its members.
The committee will examine relevant records and documents, seek information from concerned officials and verify available facts and evidence as required. Complaints will be examined in accordance with applicable rules and prescribed procedures, thereby facilitating their prompt, fair and reasoned disposal.
Complaints can be submitted along with relevant documents and evidence regarding alleged irregularities in employment in lieu of land, use of forged or fabricated documents, obtaining employment by concealing material facts or any other related matter.
SECL clarified that there is no provision for withdrawal of a duly registered complaint and urged complainants to submit complaints only on the basis of authentic facts and available evidence.
The company also appealed to all concerned stakeholders and members of the public to submit complaints only through authorised channels and remain cautious of intermediaries, unverified information and misleading claims.
SECL said necessary legal action may be initiated against a complainant if a complaint is found to be knowingly false, malicious or based on misleading facts, or appears to have been submitted with the intention of tarnishing an individual's reputation or causing unnecessary harassment.
The company said the review mechanism is aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and institutional fairness in the examination of complaints, while protecting the interests of genuine and eligible beneficiaries, and further strengthening public confidence and institutional accountability in the grievance redressal mechanism.
— ANI
Reader Comments
A high-level committee with clear terms of reference is a good step. But the real test will be in the implementation and whether genuine land-losers get their due without bureaucratic delays. Let's watch this space.
The warning about false complaints is important. In our area, some people file baseless complaints just to harass others. Glad SECL is putting safeguards in place while also addressing genuine grievances. Fair process for all! 🙌
Transparency is key here. My father was a farmer who gave up land for coal mining, and the process was opaque. A standing review committee is welcome, but they should also publish quarterly reports on how many complaints were resolved.
Good to see institutional mechanisms being strengthened. However, SECL must ensure that villagers, especially those in remote areas, know how to file complaints properly. Many don't have access to legal guidance. Awareness campaigns are needed!
As someone who has seen land acquisition issues globally, this seems like a reasonable framework. The key is ensuring the committee has real teeth to act on findings and doesn't just sit on complaints for years. Time-bound disposal is crucial.
The caution about intermediaries is spot on. Middlemen often exploit villagers by promising jobs in exchange for money
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.