Rajya Sabha BJD member Subash Singh said the core purpose of takeover of Southco by Tata Power is to safeguard the interest of both employees and consumers.

Answering media queries here, Singh said that the Tata Power should protect the interest of the employees irrespective of the fact whether they are permanent employees or daily wagers or NMRs. "However, we cannot fight for employees those who do not work or are not disciplined," he categorically said.

MLA Bikram Panda is the chief patron of Southco who will hereafter interact and negotiate with the Tata Power in all matters and would look after the genuine interest of the employees, assured Singh. Replying queries of the media, he assured that no employee would be retrenched.

 Singh further said that the Tata Power would ensure both 24 hours uninterrupted power supply to the consumers including quality service and give priority to the safety measures.

Tata Power shall also ensure proper infrastructure and put up state of the art equipment by replacing the old ones.

Besides, low voltage problems would be addressed, said Singh.He said that the provision of rehabilitation of deceased employee’s kin is now under the active consideration of the State Government and judiciary.  According to information available, the staff members of the Southco meanwhile are on dharana in front of the Southco Office protesting the takeover without finalising their service conditions.

Brahmapur MLA Bikram Panda, former MLA Dr RCC Pattnaik, Subash Maharana, working president of Biju Sramika Samukshya Rajiv Mahanty and general secretary Amar Pratap Singh, BJP Youth leader Tumbanath Panda, Arvind Singh and the newly joined CEO of Southco appointed by Tata Power were present.