India witnessed a momentous achievement with the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3, the lunar mission, on 14 July. However, the triumph is bittersweet as the engineers responsible for the mission’s success continue to face a distressing financial situation, with unpaid salaries.
Financial Struggles Amidst Timely Accomplishments
The engineers, employed by the Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC), have been grappling with a dire financial situation since early 2022. Despite their predicament, they managed to complete the construction of the mobile launch pad and other crucial equipment ahead of schedule in December 2022.
HEC Faces Scrutiny for Delayed Salaries
HEC, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, has been under scrutiny for the prolonged non-payment of salaries to its dedicated employees. As early as May, it was reported that over 2,700 workmen and 450 executives had endured an agonizing 14 months without pay.
Deteriorating Situation for Employees
The situation has further worsened, with even the company officers experiencing a full year without receiving their salaries. Regular employees have faced unpaid periods ranging from eight to nine months. This crisis has taken a significant toll on the morale and financial well-being of those who played pivotal roles in India’s ambitious space mission.
Funding Woes and Delayed Leadership
Despite securing substantial orders worth INR 1,500 crore from prestigious clients such as the Indian Space Research Organisation, the Ministry of Defence, Railways, Coal India, and the steel sector, HEC’s progress has been severely hampered by a severe shortage of funds. The appointment of a Chief Managing Director (CMD), a crucial position within the company, has also been delayed for the past two and a half years.
Seeking Aid from the Government
HEC has repeatedly sought a much-needed working capital injection of INR 1,000 crore from the Ministry of Heavy Industries, only to be met with disappointing news that the Union government cannot extend any financial assistance.
Acknowledging the Unsung Heroes
As India celebrates its remarkable achievements in space exploration, it is equally essential to acknowledge and address the hardships faced by the engineers who worked diligently behind these groundbreaking missions.
