The mass exodus at KPCL is unprecedented in century-old history of power generation in the State. The engineers and officers who have opted for voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) cited delayed hikes, promotions and perks as well as complaining about favouritism in the corporation. At least another 150 engineers are likely to quit and opt for private power generating firms. “This problem has been simmering. Engineers who have moved out have been denied promotions for the past nine years. Many more will follow suit,” sources said.
A majority of those who have sought to leave are Executive Engineers, Superintendent Engineers and Chief Engineers with at least 20 years experience. It is learnt that the private firms are offering them double the their current salaries. Making the matters worse, the post of Director (Technical) has been vacant after Muralidhar Rao opted for VRS. The post is held by a Chief Engineer. Sridhar, Director Finance, who was on deputation from finance department has returned to his parent department before completion of his term.
Besides, the technical committe comprising experts like K C Reddy and BG Rudrappa has been abolished striking a blow to the State’s effort to bridge the demand-supply gap. The present crisis is likely to prove costly to KPCL as the State has planned several mega projects to increase capacity by at least 5000 MW within the next three years to meet the growing demand of power.
The projects include the 250-MW eighth unit at Raichur and 800-MW third unit at Bellary. Land acquisition to set up two power plants totalling 2000 MW at Yermarus and Yedlapur has been completed, while a 1400-MWplant was planned at Chattisgarh.
Other power projects in the pipeline include a gas-based plant at Bidadi and a hydel power plant at Hogenakal. KPCL is reputed for for the capacity of its engineers to complete projects on time across the country. Power plants at Raichur and Bellary are some of the living examples. They are consulted by several power generating companies. It is indeed bad news for KPCL.