Etala Rajender Flags Singareni’s Financial Crisis, Demands Rs 55,000 Crore Dues

The BJP has accused the Telangana government of pushing Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) into financial distress while benefiting a select group of investors and brokers at the expense of its workers. Demanding immediate clearance of the state government’s pending dues to Singareni, BJP MP Etala Rajender addressed a protest organised by the party at CCC Corner in Naspur, Mancherial district, raising concerns over the company’s finances, workers’ welfare, contract wages and mine safety.

Rajender demanded that the government release Rs 55,000 crore in pending dues, including interest, to the coal company. He claimed Singareni was being forced to borrow at interest rates of 9 to 12 per cent due to a shortage of internal funds, worsening its financial position. He said clearing the dues was necessary to restore stability to the state-owned mining company.

The BJP MP also highlighted the decline in Singareni’s permanent workforce. He said the company once employed around 1.16 lakh permanent workers, compared with about 39,000 now, while nearly 70,000 outsourcing workers depend on the company for their livelihoods. He called for an end to dismissals and alleged harassment of employees, including the newly introduced PAA dismissals.

Rajender also questioned the disparity in contract workers’ wages. He claimed workers in Coal India receive Rs 1,250, while Singareni contract workers are paid Rs 600. He demanded that outsourcing and contract agencies be abolished and workers be directly employed by Singareni, alleging that this would also curb corruption involving intermediaries.

Recalling Singareni workers’ contribution to the Telangana statehood movement, Rajender said employees had participated in a 40-day strike. He claimed the number of underground mines had fallen from 48 at the time of state formation to 24 now. He also alleged that private contractors were increasingly being involved in coal extraction at open-cast mines.

Safety emerged as another major concern, with Rajender alleging inadequate protective equipment and shortages of medicines for workers and their families. He further alleged that 30 lakh metric tonnes of coal had been stolen and criticised poor roads in mining areas while Singareni funds were being spent on football programmes.

Targeting the Revanth Reddy government, Rajender alleged that both the previous BRS and present Congress governments had failed Singareni. He also criticised the government over power supply and its unfulfilled promises, while assuring workers that the BJP would support their demands.