As part of its cost cutting measures, Tangedco has decided to reduce its manpower in its thermal power stations (TPS) at Mettur, Thoothukudi, Ennore and North Chennai to one worker per MW.
All new plants would have manpower as per its generation capacity while over 3,200 vacant posts in the existing plants would be abolished. The corporation would save revenue to the tune of Rs 42 crore a year.
The Tangedco and 20 trade unions including Tamil Nadu Electricity Board Workers Progressive Union and Central Organisation of Tamil Nadu Electricity Employees reached an agreement on March 26. The agreement would pave way for the contract workers regularised in 1999 to get promotion.
As per the agreement, the staff strength in all four thermal power stations has been brought down from 7,882 to 4,620. The combined generation capacity of the four thermal power stations is 2,970 MW.
Taking into account the decommissioning of Ennore TPS and the expected commissioning of the 1,200 MW stage II of North Chennai TPS and the 600 MW stage III of Mettur TPS, the total generation capacity of the plants will be 4,320 MW.
“Through this agreement, the corporation has brought down the manpower to the level of one worker per MW as per the eleventh plan.
They have abolished over 3,200 vacant posts in the existing four thermal plants. It will help save Rs 42.74 crore in expenditure on salaries,” a trade union leader on condition of anonymity said.
According to the CAG report for the year ended March 31, 2010, the actual manpower was more than the prescribed norm in thermal and gas stations during the period 2005-10 which resulted in expenditure of Rs 279.65 crore.
Ironically, the corporation had replied to the audit that manpower norms of the 10th and 11th plan might not be applicable for its thermal plants, which were designed before 30 years.