MRPL reiterates commitment to DK, Karnataka amidst recruitment row

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) which finds itself in a recruitment row of ‘outsiders’ and ignoring recommendations of the Sarojini Mahishi report, has reiterated its commitment to Karnataka in general and coastal Karnataka, where it is based, in particular. The issue has gained credence with local elected representatives led by Member of Parliament Nalin Kumar Kateel expressing their concerns over the fallout of the issue that has caused consternation locally.

The Kuthethur based company clarified that being a responsible PSU, and on the basis of these concerns, the company has initiated an investigation in this regard through the chief vigilance officer who reports to CVC of India. MRPL would like to reaffirm its commitment to a fair and transparent process that ensures social justice to all concerned. Being a central government schedule-A PSU under MOPNG, MRPL follows laid down rules and regulations without exception.

This is done in every aspect of its functioning including recruitment as per the directives of the government of India. MRPL has demonstrated unflinching commitment to the social and economic wellbeing of the coastal Karnataka region and the Karnataka all through its existence. Functioning under the guidance of the union ministry of petroleum and natural gas and parent company ONGC, MRPL is committed to serving the region, state and nation to the best of its capacities. 

Oil and Gas PSU’s are not only engines of the nation’s economy but also significant contributors to the social and economic wellbeing of the community in which they function. This fact has been proven during the ongoing Covid-crisis, where MRPL has risen to the occasion and joined hands with the government to save precious lives. Being the sole petroleum refinery of Karnataka, MRPL both understands and strives with utmost dedication, to live up to the expectation.

During the ongoing Covid crisis, MRPL has made a tremendous contribution to Karnataka by braving covid threat while keeping the refinery running all the time and ensuring an uninterrupted supply of petrol, diesel and LPG in Karnataka. In the recent past, it has been written and reported in the press and social media about the non-recruitment of locals in MRPL. In this respect, MRPL management has come forth with these facts to put the record straight.

MRPL’s integrated complex has employed more than 70% of its employees from Karnataka. Among its non-management employees, nearly 90% are from Karnataka. These figures are proof of MRPL’s approach towards local employment. MRPL has employed more than 600 members from the families who have given their land to MRPL during its inception and expansion. More than 80% of the secondary workforce in MRPL’s integrated complex belong to the State of Karnataka. 

MRPL also supports the business of vendors, suppliers, contractors, consultants and various service providers of the coastal region. The contribution of MRPL to the economic wellbeing of the nation can be surmised only through the following fact. Through the refinery’s operations which include import of crude oil and processing and sales of hydrocarbons in the last five years, MRPL has contributed more than Rs 50,000 crores in revenue to the state and central Government exchequer. 

CONTRIBUTION TO KARNATAKA, DK

MRPL has contributed to the coastal region and Karnataka through various CSR activities. In the last 5 years, nearly Rs 150 crore has been contributed for the activities in Karnataka out of which nearly Rs 120 crore has been contributed within Dakshina Kannada district.  MRPL has been continuously focusing on health care contributing to the redevelopment of Lady Goschen hospital and modernization of the facilities therein like hi-tech neonatal care facility. 

MRPL has also provided ambulances, upgraded primary healthcare centres, provided critical equipment and infrastructure to the government hospitals and healthcare centres in the coastal region and Karnataka.  MRPL has also supported continuously, Divyang Jan of the coastal region and the state by providing an essential support system. MRPL has continuously contributed towards education by providing school buildings,  pure drinking water facilities and other infrastructure needs.

MRPL has contributed towards the construction of water tanks and drinking water facilities in rural areas. MRPL’ s contribution towards environmental cause includes restoration of freshwater lakes, afforestation drive, development of the biological park, adoption of all animals in Pilikula for two complete years. MRPL has always been in the forefront to implement Government programs. MRPL has supported Swachch Bharath in the city and in the district.

Treated sewage water of the city is consumed for refinery complex operations, which otherwise would have discharged to the sea and also effectively reduce freshwater consumption from river Netravathi to that extent. Whenever state or nation faced natural disasters, MRPL has contributed voluntarily, be it flood in DK or in other parts of Karnataka or the ongoing pandemic crisis. MRPL has contributed in many ways to extend support by way to those hit by the pandemic.

MRPL is setting up oxygen plants, procuring and supplying oxygen cylinders and oxygen concentrators during the present crisis. To the benefit and development of local youth, MRPL has conducted long term skill development training and empowered them to earn a livelihood. The issue had gained significance with organisations and political parties crying foul at the perceived apathy in recruitment, especially what they perceived was the ignoring of claims of locals to jobs at the refinery.

This post has been published in arrangement with Jaideep J Shenoy