The posting of retired employees at the Indian Rare Earths Ltd (IREL), in Chavara, Kollam,has kicked up a row.
IREL Chairman and Managing Director R N Patra said that appointment of Manikantan was done by the company’s unit in Chavara (Kollam).
“Incurring expenditure on the engagement the services of Shri Manikantan, comes within the inherent powers of the unit head as he is responsible for all activities and functions pertaining to the unit,” he said in an e-mail reply.
However, clause 1.1 of the delegation of financial powers of unit heads reads: “In the appointment of workmen or staff other than casual labourer, specific approval should be obtained from CMD for creation/filling up the post on each occasions.
Besides, the administrative instruction No 851 dated April 23, 2003 (Clause No 11.10) says “engagement of consultant/experts of any nature for any purpose requires prior approval of CMD irrespective of value.”
This clearly shows that the onus of appointing Manikantan clearly lay with the Chairman and Managing Director.
(to be continued).