KISHTWAR, August 31 — Energetic People Private Limited, managing the 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Power Project in Drabshalla, Kishtwar, has announced the retrenchment of over 200 surplus employees effective September 1, 2025, due to revised operational needs and financial constraints, according to details received by The Chenab Times.
The decision follows pressure from local communities to hire employees against non-vacant positions, leading to an excess workforce that impacted the project’s cash flow. The company noted that 85% of underground and open works have been completed, but recent flash floods in the Chenab River washed away a bridge access to the right bank, suspending power intake construction for an extended period. A detailed list of affected workers is attached as “Annexure-I” in the notice.
Affected employees will receive compensation as per Section 25-F of the Industrial Disputes Act 1947, including one month’s basic salary in lieu of notice, retrenchment compensation as per labor laws, unpaid bonus for 2024-25, and leave encashment along with other pending dues upon submitting a No Dues Certificate to the HR Department.
The notice, signed by Harpal Singh on behalf of Energetic People Private Limited (c/o Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited), has been copied to the Deputy Commissioner, Senior Superintendent of Police, and Regional Labour Commissioner (Central), Jammu, for information.
Saqib Zargar is a The Chenab Times staff reporter.