Coal India's production partially hit due to strike: govt

The government today said the two-day nationwide strike called by trade unions in February led to a production loss of around 0.71 million tonnes (MT) in Coal India (CIL).

"Coal production in CIL and SCCL (Singareni Collieries Co Ltd) suffered partially due to two days nation-wide strike... by 0.71 million tonnes (approx) and 0.1 million tonnes respectively," Minister of State for Coal Pratik Prakashbapu Patil said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

Replying to question on the measures being taken to make up the production losses the Minister said: "CIL has stated that its subsidiary companies are taking various steps... including motivating the employees by Management and Union Representatives."

SCCL, he said, has stated that areas with potential for higher production have been identified "and measures have been taken to ensure un-interrupted production."

The two-day nationwide strike on February 20 and February 21 was called by trade unions in support of their demands.

The unions have put forward a charter of 10 demands such as end to disinvestment in PSUs, urgent steps to control price rise, strict enforcement of labour laws in all places of work, social security net for workers in the unorganised sector and raising minimum wage to Rs 10,000 a month.