News

Volume 3 Issue 16 - August 15, 2005

G.A.I.L. C.M.D. threatens D.R.G. with criminal action

D.N.I.S. News Network - The struggle for justice for four disabled employees sacked by Gas Authority of India Limited (G.A.IL.) has taken a new twist with its Chairman and Managing Director (C.M.D.) Prashanto Banerjee resorting to pressure tactics by serving a legal notice to Disabled Rights Group (D.R.G.) for alleged defamation.

In this latest “arm-twisting” by the “mighty” G.A.I.L. administration, according to a D.R.G. release, a notice has been served in the wake of recent reports in the media, strongly criticising the lackadaisical attitude shown by the C.M.D. in staying away from a meeting called by the Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, to take a decision on the matter.

D.R.G. has condemned the manner in which G.A.I.L. is trying to “wriggle” out of the two year-old demand for justice by interpreting “legalities” to suit its adamant stand, and not address the issue despite the Minister taking a genuine interest in reinstating the four disabled employees.

Earlier, when D.R.G. Convenor Javed Abidi had gone on a fast-unto-death, G.A.I.L. had launched a media blitzkrieg to spread misinformation against the movement.

D.R.G. has asserted its stand that after several years of service at G.A.I.L., termination of the disabled employees, without assigning any reason, is a violation of their rights. Further, after getting salaries, and even increments, it is nothing but humiliating to have asked these employees to appear for a test.