The number of employees at West Bengal Electronics Industry Development Corporation (WBEIDC) subsidiary Webel Communication Industries Limited (Webcom) fell from 58 to 25 over three years, prompting the state government to announce that it would have to stop operations soon.
“It would not be possible for the government to run the loss-making Webel Communication Industries following criticism from Comptroller and Auditor General's (CAG),” said Debesh Das, West Bengal minister for Information Technology (IT), on the sidelines of the ninth ICT East summit, organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CII) here today.
The minister went on to say that he could not disobey CAG recommendations.
“Sustaining work with the present number of employees would be tough. If the situation persists, then we will have to stop,” said Sidharth, principal secretary, department of Information Technology (IT) Government of West Bengal.
The company manufactures electronic push-button telephones. The government’s share in Webcom is to 29 per cent. The company had a staff strength of 58 in 2007.
Permanent employees opted for voluntary retirement services (VRS), reducing the total number of employees to 25. Many among the ones that retired were appointed again in other departments of WBEIDC on contractual service.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app