Par panel recommends compensation to terminated STC Director

A Parliamentary panel has recommended financial compensation with applicable interest to Rita Kunur, who was among the shortlisted candidates for the post of CMD of State Trading Corporation (STC) but terminated from service in 2001.
The Committee on petitions of the 16th Lok Sabha has stated in its report that the "matter must also be investigated by an independent agency with a view to find out as to whether there was any deliberate attempt and malafide intentions to cause distress and harassment" to Kunur.
Kunur started her career as a management trainee in 1972 and became direct, marketing, in STC in 1995.

In 1997, she was empanelled by the Public Enterprises Selection Board for the post of CMD of STC as the No 2 candidate. However, she was relived of her duties in June 2001 following investigations against her over alleged losses suffered by STC due to export of poor quality of coffee.
Kunur who was 52 in 2001, however, had challenged it and CVC had also advised dropping of penalties.
The committee report said CBI investigations did not reveal anything to prove her criminal involvement.

"Considering the fact that the petitioner has already crossed the age of superannuation and it would be difficult to take her back on government job, the committee had recommended to compensate the loss by monetary compensation," the panel observed.

It also said the Rs 2 lakh compensation decided by STC board, which Kunur refused to accept, was inadequate.
"The committee strongly emphasises the Ministry (Commerce) to pay full pay and allowances to director marketing STC (Kunur) along with interest as applicable thereon considering the petitioner on duty from the date of her termination till the date she would have been superannuated
in the normal course i.E on attaining the age of 60 years," it said.
In order to avoid such instances in future, the committee reiterated its stand that "lien of an employee on the old post should not be terminated automatically without the consent of the individual and as such recommended for review of the existing guidelines.