The fate of the Ranchi-based Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC), which has been instrumental in India’s journey toward self-sufficiency in steel and technology, seems to be hanging precariously as it faces the possibility of being wound up.
Despite its crucial role in major projects such as the recent launch of the Aditya L1 spacecraft and the construction of the Chandrayaan-3 launching pad, HEC is struggling due to a lack of funds and neglect from the central government. With numerous vacancies in top positions remaining unfilled and salaries unpaid for 18 months, the workforce of 3,500 employees is facing severe financial hardships.
Activists and workers believe that the government’s negligence may be deliberate, with speculation rife that the institution is being primed for privatization after the 2024 elections. Despite recommendations from expert committees for its revival and modernization, bureaucratic hurdles and financial constraints persist.
While HEC continues to receive orders worth over Rs 1,500 crore, it struggles to fulfill them due to capital shortages and outdated equipment. The recent projects for organizations like ISRO and DRDO have been executed with pre-arranged materials, highlighting the dire financial situation HEC faces.
Despite efforts to raise funds through land sales and appeals to government officials, HEC remains in a precarious position, with its workforce demanding answers and overdue salaries. The potential repercussions of HEC’s demise extend beyond its immediate workforce, potentially impacting vital sectors such as defense, space, and atomic energy, leading to increased import dependence and privatization at exorbitant costs.
As the government grapples with the fate of public-sector entities like HEC, workers continue to protest, demanding not just answers but also their rightful dues.