OCWL to take over water works today

NAGPUR: The Orange City Water Limited (OCWL) is all set to take over water works from Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) from Monday. However, the transition may not be as smooth as thought to be as 392 of 427 staffers working in the water works department have decided not to work for the private operator and decided to observe 'black day' on Monday.
NMC, Nagpur Environmental Services Ltd (NESL) and OCWL had entered into a tripartite agreement on November 17.
As per agreement, OCWL will take over the entire work, from water treatment plants to billing, for a period of 25 years. The private operator will also execute 24x7 water supply project.
But as things stand today, all is not well on this front with a majority of employees refusing to join NESL, a special purpose vehicle floated by NMC. The employees, on transfer to NESL, will in turn work for OCWL.
NMC had asked these employees to join NESL on its formation on October 28, 2009 but only 35 staffers showed willingness. The remaining 392 employees have not joined NESL as yet which may create problems for the civic body when the water supply is handed over.
These employees, under the banner of Rashtriya Nagpur Corporation Employees Association, on Sunday decided to observe 'black day' on Monday and take a final decision after getting orders of the labour court.
General secretary of the union Surendra Tingne told TOI that the administration was trying to force them to work for the private operator from November 28 as it is difficult to handle water works without experienced staffers.
"But NMC cannot compel us to work with a private company. A case has been filed by the union in the labour court and the hearing is scheduled on November 29. NMC should carry on water supply through the department itself," he said.
Executive engineer of water works department Shashikant Hastak said it was compulsory for the employees to shift to NESL and give service to the private operator at least for one and a half years. "Without experienced staff, the water supply cannot be done," he said.
The situation is similar to the one MSEDCL faced while handing over power distribution of three of the five divisions to Spanco.
Most employees had opted to remain with MSEDCL.