"Build All 5 Ships at HSL, Not L&T!" CITU Demands Amidst Claims of Political Pressure in Naval Deal

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has raised concerns over the Hindustan Shipyard Limited's (HSL) decision to share a significant naval contract with a private company. The central government had awarded HSL a ₹20,000 crore project to construct five Fleet Support Vessels (FSVs) for the Indian Navy. However, reports indicate that HSL has opted to delegate the construction of two of these vessels to Larsen & Toubro (L&T).

CITU argues that this decision, allegedly made under political pressure, undermines HSL's capacity and expertise. They emphasize that HSL possesses the necessary infrastructure, including a natural yard and dry docks, to handle the entire project independently. Additionally, HSL has a proven track record, having built over 200 vessels of various categories in its 82-year history.

Ch. Narasinga Rao, the CITU State general secretary, voiced concerns during a media conference, stating, "It's unfortunate that the HSL management has planned to hand over part of the work to a private entity, even though these work orders could help revive the fortunes of Hindustan Shipyard Limited."

The union further alleges that HSL's current leadership has taken questionable financial decisions, such as taking out a ₹5 crore loan two years ago for "slip way" amenities, without any tangible improvements being made.

CITU demands that HSL withdraw its plan to share the contract with L&T and utilize its own resources to construct all five FSVs. They argue that this would not only benefit HSL's workers but also bolster India's domestic shipbuilding capabilities. The union has also called for greater transparency in HSL's recruitment processes and urged the government to ensure that all five vessels are built domestically.

This controversy highlights the ongoing debate in India about the role of public sector enterprises versus private companies in key national projects. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the future of India's shipbuilding industry and its defense capabilities.

 

[Mithu Roy]

Improve work culture and see you will be the most sought after across the globe.Since you got government jobs , you must be good educationally,it's just that the lack of fire in the belly and the surrounding that had made you all shy from work

 

[Anant]

The union can take their concerns elsewhere. HSL quite possibly does not have the infrastructure to deliver all five ships on schedule, which calls for deliveries of one ship each in 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031, and 2032. Let them sub-contract two ships to L&T, and that would allow HSL to deliver in 2028, 2030, and 2032, with L&T delivering in 2029, and 2031.

Oh, and their statement about constructing all five ships in HSL leveraging India's domestic shipbuilding expertise is sheer nonsense. Need it be reminded that L&T is also an Indian firm? It isn't as if we are buying the ships from foreign yards.

 

[Primary Goal]

I guarantee that LNT will deliver the ships ahead of schedule, meanwhile, HSL project will be delayed by many years. Union does not want people to see the obvious difference in quality and project management.

 

[Sandeep]

India needs to these ships as soon as possible because our current fleet is very old and close to retiring. If LT can make it quicker and have enough space to make it for the same price then we should go ahead with this deal. Also HSL might not have enough space to build such large vessels which will take time to developing.

 

[Aravind Raveendran]

What a shame when unions start dictating what a country should do that too regarding defence.
Should have banned these white elephants years ago.

 

[Rajesh]

All these dpsu shipyards have been awarded contacts without any open tenders . All these dpsu's will have to outsource these projects due to delays from the so called trade union workers like the cost guard ships ,shallow water crafts etc😁. Even if it is outsourced to l&t the expertise will be leveraged within india as l&t is an Indian company which never delayed any program till now and navy will get atleast 2 ships without delays giving dpsu time with their ancestral delays.

 

[Tls Mani]

CITU are spoilers & they have no right to dictate terms. They take salary & don't work & actual work is done by contract labour. This is also the practice in all govt companies.CITU is infiltrated by Chinese agents & want to disrupt our preparedness at the behest of their Masters.Ignore them as L&T will be more louyal & complete the job on time.

 

[RG]

These unions are good for nothing, this is an opportunity to show they can be as productive, which they think they are not, they curtail all development and time to disband them and make them useless.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

The CITU union must be disregarded and to meet challenging time lines , and create Two shipyard expertise and competition, LxT must be given the contract for 2 vessels to Utilise its huge shipbuilding facility near Chennai and create expertise for repairs , modernisation of Navy ships .