HAL transfer order for 213 officers has had staff concerned about COVID risk

An official spokesperson for HAL has said that the transfer order will not be put into practice immediately without considering the situation on the ground

In the backdrop of the rise in the number of Coronavirus cases in India, a transfer order released by HAL has caused anxiety among employees
In an internal circular released on May 15, HAL had announced the transfer of 213 employees

New Delhi: In the backdrop of the rise in the number of Coronavirus cases in India, a transfer order released by defence PSU HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) has caused anxiety among employees over the prospect of having to relocate to a new place along with their families. The news comes a day after PSU Watch reported that 20 employees at DMRC (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation), six employees at AAI (Airports Authority of India), and one employee at PFC (Power Finance Corporation) had tested positive for COVID-19.

The series of confirmed Coronavirus cases reported at SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited) has especially been a cause of concern as it has highlighted how the infection can spread quickly and the risk that comes with not following the basic precautions of covering the face with a mask and maintaining social distancing.

HAL transfer order lists 213 employees

In an internal circular released on May 15, HAL had announced the transfer of 213 employees. Speaking to PSU Watch on the condition of anonymity, sources at HAL said that the transfer order has put employees in a fix. "The situation at present is far from getting better because of the rise in the number of confirmed Coronavirus cases. And the transfer order has had us concerned. The last date for officers to be relieved is June 8. If we relocate, it will not just put us at risk, but also our families."

Management says transfer order not to be brought into effect immediately

Responding to a question sent by PSU Watch, an official spokesperson for HAL said, "The transfer order is an annual exercise that is followed to meet the requirement of manpower at our offices. However, the management realises that the ground reality is different this time because of the COVID-19 situation. And therefore, the release of the order does not mean that it will be put into practice immediately." Commenting on the June 8 deadline, the spokesperson said that the deadline is flexible and employees will be asked to take charge of the new deputation, depending on the situation on the ground.

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