MP Sribharat seeks early release of pending VRS dues for former RINL employees

Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat met Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy in New Delhi on Thursday and urged him to ensure the immediate release of pending Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) benefits and other statutory dues to former employees of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL).

Mr. Sribharat brought to the Minister’s attention a representation submitted by the Steel Executives’ Association, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, highlighting the hardships faced by retired employees whose VRS benefits remain pending.

The MP said that among the 486 employees who retired under the second phase of the government-approved VRS, only 50% of the compensation had been released, while the remaining compensation, earned leave encashment, salary arrears and other statutory retirement benefits were yet to be paid. He also said that 67 employees covered under the third phase of the VRS had received only 25% of their entitled compensation.

Mr. Sribharat urged the Minister to direct the RINL management to expedite the release of the pending dues in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations. He said an early resolution would provide financial relief to retired employees and their families.