Policy Advocacy

Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) organised a ‘National Meet on RTI Act,’ in Leh, Ladakh which was inaugurated by Shri Radha Krishna Mathur, Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Ladakh, in the presence of Shri Y.K. Sinha, Chief Information Commissioner. Shri Atul Sobti, DG, SCOPE and Shri Pradip Kumar Das, CMD, IREDA also addressed the inaugural session of the two-day program. Senior officials of Ladakh Government and Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) were also present. The meet is being attended by over 75 senior officials from 35 PSEs.

Calling RTI, the legal responsibility of every single Public Sector Enterprise (PSE), Shri Radha Krishna Mathur in his address, emphasised the need for a more conscientious understanding of the RTI Act.  Stating that the primary role of SCOPE is to steer PSEs in the right direction, he complimented them for hosting the National Meet in Ladakh and building the capacities of officials. Shri Mathur launched the webpage of ‘Disclosure of Information under RTI Act Section 4(2)’ for Ladakh during the meet. SCOPE’s film on 'PSEs in pursuit of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat' was also released by Lt. Governor, Ladakh during the event.

Addressing the session, Shri Y.K. Sinha said that we need to look at how to implement the RTI Act more effectively and not merely as a grievance redressal mechanism and called for inculcating an innovative approach towards addressing RTI issues.

Shri Atul Sobti in his address said that it is SCOPE’s prime endeavour to provide a platform for PSEs to deliberate on the most pertinent topics, like this National Meet on RTI being organised to simplify and demystify the provisions of the Act. He added that, SCOPE remains committed towards creating a conducive environment of constant learning and development in PSEs across the country.

Shri Pradip Kumar Das in his Vote of Thanks encouraged participants to imbibe the most important aspects of RTI from the workshop and follow the same in their organisations.

Calling the Right to Information (RTI) Act a landmark legislation that has withstood the test of time, Mr. Y.K. Sinha, Chief Information Commissioner, CIC addressed Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE)’s symposium on Right to Information Act. Mr. Atul Sobti, DG, SCOPE; Ms. B.K. Sokhey, Director (Finance), NBCC and Mr. O.P. Khorwal, Consultant, SCOPE also addressed the concluding session of the two-day program, which saw large participation of senior officials of various PSUs from across the country.

Mr. Y.K. Sinha said that the RTI Act has brought about a huge change empowering the common man and enunciated the need for proactive and effective grievance redressal mechanisms in PSUs. He further added that Public authorities must go for voluntary disclosure to expedite the process, file timely returns while sticking to guidelines to enable effective transparency audits.

Mr. Atul Sobti addressing the participants called RTI Act the cornerstone of corporate governance enabling efficiency and transparency in processes. He added that SCOPE with the support of Central Information Commission has been continuously organising symposiums and workshops on RTI Act for capacity building of PSEs.

Ms. B.K. Sokhey shared that the symposium encapsulated important aspects of RTI Act with regard to CPSEs which will be a great learning for the participants.

8th February, 2021

Mulling over the impact of the Union Budget 2021, Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) organised a webinar on ‘Decoding the Union Budget 2021.’Prof. N. R. Bhanumurthy, Vice-Chancellor, Bengaluru Dr. B. R. Ambedkar School of Economics University; Mr. Rakesh Kumar, CMD, NLCIL & Chairman, SCOPE and Mr. Atul Sobti, DG, SCOPE addressed the webinar. Detailed presentation on the impact of the Budget provisions was made by senior partners and subject matter experts from Deloitte.About 500 participants including board members and senior official from PSEs attended the webinar through SCOPE’s various platforms.

Addressing the participants, Prof. N. R. Bhanumurthystated that the Budget will accentuate the growth by invigorating the economic and infrastructural developmentof the country. He said that fiscal policy shall take a lead to enable overall macroeconomic stability of the country.

In his address, Mr. Rakesh Kumarsaid that the Budget stimulates strategic sectors and reflects on renewed impetus to green initiatives. While highlighting key aspects of the Budget, he reiterated on the constructive role of PSEs in the overall economic development of the country.

DG, SCOPE while appreciating the Budget said that infrastructure, social sector and policy reforms shall prove catalytic for growth. He added that in light of ease of doing business and conciliation mechanism announced, SCOPE Forum of Conciliation and Arbitration (SFCA)can play an important role in the new landscape.

18th January, 2021
In view of the critical role of fair market and competition in promoting consumer welfare, Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) organized a webinar on ‘Competition Law’ in association with Competition Commission of India (CCI).

Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta, Chairperson, CCIdelivered the key note address. The webinar was also addressed by Mr. Atul Sobti, DG, SCOPE; Mr. A K Tiwari, Director (Finance), GAIL; Dr. K. D. Singh, Director (Law), CCI; Mr.Ashok Kumar Juneja, ED(CC&M), NTPC and Mr. K.R.M Rao, ED (C&P), GAIL.Over 500 participants including senior official from PSEs attended the webinar through SCOPE’s various platforms.

Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta complimented SCOPE for organising the webinar and reiterated that such interactive sessions play a vital role in promoting greater understanding of the law and need for transparent public procurement system that ensures quality, price and service delivery. He added that since public procurement forms about 25% of our GDP, even small savings shall go a long way in making fiscal savings. He also apprised about CCI’s efforts towards development of efficient and competition compliant procurement processes at both Central and State Government level through its enforcement and advocacy roles.

Mr. Atul Sobti in his address stated that while SCOPE has been reinventing itself in the present scenario, this webinar has been organised with an aim to provide clarity in area of public procurement while maintaining competition in businesses for PSEs.

The webinar also discussed salient features of the Competition Law and deliberated on issues pertaining to proactive measures for better compliance of Competition Law, best practices, key initiatives and challenges of public procurement in the public sector.

6th July, 2020
The quest for sustainable employment and creating a safe, equitable and dynamic workplace has accelerated amidst the ongoing pandemic. Offering insights into the same, Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) organized a webinar titled ‘ILO’s response to the pandemic - Learning and Sharing of Global Practices’ in association with International Labour Organisation (ILO). Ms. Dagmar Walter, Director, ILO DWT South Asia; Mr. Atul Sobti, DG, SCOPE; Dr. R. K. Elangovan, DG FASLI, Ministry of Labour & Employment; Mr. Ravi Peiris, Senior Specialist, ILO; Mr. Tsuyoshi Kawakami, Senior Specialist, ILO and Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director, Personnel, WCL addressed the meet. Nearly 500 participants including senior official from PSEs attended the webinar through SCOPE’s various platforms.

Ms. Walter speaking about the global job scenario emphasised that the pandemic has affected both quality and quantity of jobs and measures taken to ensure worker protection, stimulate economic and labour demand; support employment and incomes and using social dialogue between government, workers and employers can only help overcome this crisis.

Mr. Sobti in his address said that the present scenario is one of the toughest faced by employers and so there is an inherent need for everyone to have an optimistic approach and ensure worker safety while adapting to the ‘New Normal’. He also mentioned that SCOPE and ILO are working closely in bringing forth the issues related to labour and work.

Mr. Peiris highlighted the importance of survival and resilience through social dialogue between employers and employees and signified the ability of adapting to change as the biggest asset for any organisation. He suggested employers to not only focus on the future but also the present, in order to succeed.

Dr. Elangovan spoke about the need for detailed preparedness amidst the ‘New Normal’ and shared views on Pandemic Response Procedure that ensure safety and wellbeing of all stakeholders.

Mr. Kawakami spoke about ILO’s guidelines with regard to securing health and safety at workplaces. Talking about causes of spread of the virus he gave practical tips like reducing human to human contact at workplaces and equipping workers with the appropriate equipment.

Dr. Kumar stated that the key take away from the webinar was to acquire learning’s from the past and present to establish a futuristic organization.

4th June, 2020
Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) organised its 9th Virtual Symposium on ‘CPSEs Strategies to Respond, Recover and Thrive to combat the pandemic’ chaired by Mr. Sailesh, IAS, Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises. Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, SCOPE & CMD, NLCIL; Mr. Kishor Rungta, Vice Chairman, SCOPE & CMD, FACT; Mr. Atul Sobti, DG, SCOPE; Mr. Arindam Guha, Partner, Government & Public Service, Deloitte India and Mr. Anandorup Ghose, Partner, Human Capital, Deloitte India also addressed the participants. The panellists deliberated on measures PSEs need to navigate through these challenging times. The interactive symposium received an overwhelming response with over 1000 participants including CMDs, Directors of PSEs in attendance on SCOPE’s social platforms.

Mr. Sailesh while complimenting PSEs for sustaining the supply chain and essential services through the pandemic stated that there was need for up scaling their knowledge in the new normal through technology and digital intervention. Speaking about paradigm of ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ introduced by the Government, Mr. Sailesh added that there were high expectations from PSEs to increase investment, innovate and stay relevant by competing not only domestically but globally. He also added that PSEs need to perform with their usual vigour and strength to thrive and also said that SCOPE has an important role in the aspect of representing the view of PSEs in various forums.

Mr. Rakesh Kumar speaking about the large scale pandemic of COVID 19 suggested that PSEs have a key role to equip themselves and respond to this as a renewed opportunity.

Mr. Atul Sobti said PSEs are working continually to respond and minimise impact of pandemic to thrive in the changing business models while leveraging technology and apprised participants that SCOPE will be bringing out a Compendium on ‘Efforts of PSEs to Combat COVID-19’ to highlight the initiatives taken by them.

Mr. Kishor Rungta said that such virtual symposiums are a great opportunity for PSEs to learn from experts and adapt the best practices in their organisations.

The Deloitte team gave a presentation on the need for PSEs and organisations to be agile and adapt to the new normal while adopting new skill sets for the entire workforce. They also highlighted that it is most critical for organisations to be resilient.

26th April 2020
Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE), the apex body of public sector enterprises (PSEs) in continuation of its endeavour for creating a conducive policy and business environment for PSEs organised an interactive webinar with Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) on ‘Ease of Doing Business Initiatives & Business Continuity Measures undertaken by MCA during COVID19’. Mr. Manoj Pandey, Joint Secretary, MCA interacted with participants on steps taken to sensitise and facilitate corporates to meet the challenges arising out of COVID 19 besides new initiatives to make business in India corporate friendly and simplified. The webinar was also addressed by Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, SCOPE & CMD, NLC, Mr. Atul Sobti, Director General, SCOPE and Mr. S. Sakthimani, Director (Finance) CCI. The webinar was attended by over 260 participants including several senior members of the public sector fraternity.

Mr. Manoj Pandey highlighted the business continuity measures of the Government during the lockdown in the form of virtual offices, regular interactions with industrial bodies, use of online platforms to handle grievances etc. During the presentation, he also highlighted the Government initiatives to provide a simplified business platform to corporates. He explained the use of new Web form - Spice+ whereby multiple compliances for registration are done through a single window system, electronic filings and settlement through e-office etc.

Mr. Rakesh Kumar in his address to the participants said that the global slump in demand and limited resources can decelerate growth and PSEs role therefore becomes important. He also said that Government’s constructive role and investor friendly schemes can help the country become a preferred destination for investment. He also encouraged PSEs to adapt innovative platforms like digitalization and utilize opportunities like these webinars to progress their learning.

Mr. Atul Sobti in his address expressed the significance of rising virtual platforms which offer greater access to a wider audience and a great opportunity. Taking cue from Hon’ble Prime Minister, he said that this pandemic has taught us to be self-reliant and self-dependent and PSEs can play a vital role in the country. Mr. Sobti also said that India has achieved a significant leap in Ease of Doing Business rankings with the efforts of the Government and PSEs must make best use of the facilities offered.

Mr. S.Sakhthimani said that while COVID is a global pandemic, it offers multiple opportunities to PSEs for excellence in performance.

SCOPE –ILO study provides a very useful starting point for Guidelines and policy on WfH: Ms. Anuradha Prasad, Special Secretary, MoLE

Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) & International Labour Organization (ILO), Geneva released a comprehensive study on ‘Impact of Work from Home’ (WfH) on Women Executives and Managers in Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) in India with Guidelines for a Gender Sensitive WfH Policy in PSEs.  The report was released virtually in the presence of Ms. Anuradha Prasad, Special Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment; Ms. Dagmar Walter, Country Director, ILO; Ms. Soma Mondal, Chairman, SAIL and Chairperson, SCOPE; Mr. Atul Sobti, Director General, SCOPE; Mr. Ranjan Mohapatra, Chairperson, Director (HR), IOCL & Chairperson, SCOPE HR Committee and Ms. Sanchir Tugschimeg, Senior Advisor, ILO, Geneva. Dr. Malika Basu, Consultant, ILO gave a presentation of the report. The launch was attended by about 366 participants.

On the occasion, Ms. Anuradha Prasad complimented SCOPE-ILO on undertaking the study on a very topical subject. She further shared that while the Govt. has notified Draft Model Standing Order 2020 under the Industrial Relations Code for Service Sector in which specific provisions have been made for Work from Home(WfH) subject to specified conditions and as detailed guidelines need to be evolved, SCOPE –ILO study provides a very useful starting point for such guidelines and policy.

Ms. Dagmar Walter stated that the study is a landmark moment in SCOPE- ILO association and has reiterated the need for creation of an inclusive workplace to upsurge women participation in workforce.

Calling it a proud moment for SCOPE, Ms. Soma Mondal said that PSEs have time and again instantaneously responded to the transformations at workplace and the pandemic was no exception. She added that the report gives an optimised insight into how women workforce are managing this new normal.

Mr. Atul Sobti stated that this is a path breaking study where highest number of public sector women employees participated. He added that the report is an important step towards developing Gender inclusive work policy in PSEs that facilitates equal opportunities to women workforce. He called for creation of better opportunities to encourage more women at work and also advised senior management to gain insight from the Study and Guidelines launched.

Ms. Sanchir Tugschimeg commended the active and consistent effort of SCOPE and ILO encouraging deeper insights into this new reality at work.

Mr. Ranjan Mohapatra said that PSEs may circulate and look at active adoption of the guidelines customised to their organisational needs s WfH is a perennial reality today.

As the pandemic has been catalyst in adopting WfH arrangement, the SCOPE ILO study offers detailed insights about advantages and challenges of WfH after administering surveys including key informant interviews (KIIs) and one-on-one interviews with Senior Management including CMDs, Heads of HR and other executives. A record number of 1969 women executives in PSEs were interviewed to reckon the ground reality of the situation. The report also proposes a set of recommendations streamlined into guidelines for gender sensitive work from home policy in PSEs.