Tata Motors may call back Singur executives

Tata Motors may call back some of its executives and workers from the Nano project site at Singur with protests from farmers and political parties over land acquisition not abating.

“A few employees, including foreign experts, have already raised concerns over the violent mob, which blocked them from the leaving the project site on Thursday. Hence, the company is considering relieving a part of the workforce,” said sources familiar with the situation.

The company stopped work for two days after about 600 of its engineers, executives and workers were impeded from leaving the project site on Thursday.

“The company has already lost two working days. If the agitation continues next week, the company will be forced to cut employee strength to avoid financial losses and human capital wastage,” the sources said.

A Tata Motors spokesperson, however, said the question of cutting the workforce did not arise. “Any one recruited for Singur is only for Singur,” said the spokesperson, adding that Tata Motors would re-look in to its decision to halt work.

According to sources, the West Bengal government has assured more security for the executives of the company. Chairman Ratan Tata, however, has already shown his disinterest in working with the police protection. The company had earlier informed the government that it was not ready to risk the safety of its workers.

“Due to the prevailing situation, we have decided to stop work at the site for two days. There is no improvement in the ground situation so far, hence the conditions are still not conducive for resuming work. On Monday morning, we will evaluate the situation and take a decision for that day,” said the spokesperson.

Last week, Ratan Tata warned that he might consider pulling out of the project in Singur in the wake of protests against the company's acquisition of land.