Faridabad: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) convened a comprehensive review meeting with the NHPC SC/ST Employees Welfare Association and NHPC management on August 22, 2025, at the NHPC Corporate Office in Faridabad. The meeting addressed critical issues related to the implementation of constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Tribe (ST) employees within NHPC.
Key Participants and Structure of the Meeting
The NCST delegation was led by Dr. Asha Lakra, Hon’ble Member of the Commission. Other senior NCST officials included Shri Prashant Kumar Singh, IAS, Secretary to the Government of India, Shri Amit Nirmal, Joint Secretary, and Shri Y.P. Yadav, Deputy Secretary.
The meeting was conducted in two sessions. The first session focused on discussions with representatives of the NHPC SC/ST Employees Welfare Association, while the second involved consultations with NHPC’s senior management, including Shri R.P. Goyal, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), Shri Uttam Lal, Director (Personnel), and other senior officials.
Discussions Highlight Critical Concerns
During the sessions, participants extensively discussed various issues such as the implementation of reservation policies at different levels, addressing backlog vacancies for ST employees, welfare initiatives, and strengthening grievance redressal mechanisms. The dialogue aimed to ensure that constitutional provisions and safeguards for Scheduled Tribes are effectively upheld in NHPC’s employment practices.
Dr. Asha Lakra emphasized the importance of protecting and promoting the rights and welfare of ST employees in the public sector. She urged NHPC management to take prompt and meaningful action on the concerns raised by the employees’ welfare association and requested submission of an Action Taken Report to the Commission.
NCST’s Commitment to Effective Enforcement
The meeting reaffirmed NCST’s ongoing commitment to monitor and ensure that public sector undertakings like NHPC comply with constitutional mandates regarding reservation and welfare of Scheduled Tribes. The Commission continues to serve as a crucial body safeguarding ST rights in employment and social justice.
About NCST
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) is a constitutional body in India established to safeguard the rights and welfare of Scheduled Tribes (STs). It monitors the implementation of policies and schemes for STs, investigates complaints related to their rights, and advises on socio-economic development planning. The NCST was created by bifurcating the erstwhile National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, with the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.
About NHPC
NHPC Limited, a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Power, is India’s leading hydropower company with a growing presence in renewable energy. Established in 1975, NHPC is committed to sustainable development and social responsibility through a wide range of CSR programmes across the country.
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