Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) has set up an Alternate Dispute Redressal Forum known as SCOPE Forum of Conciliation and Arbitration (SFCA) under the aegis of SCOPE. Main aim and objective of the Forum is to settle the disputes between PSUs and private parties expeditiously at a minimal cost
SFCA has framed its own Rules and Regulations. It has a panel of Conciliators and Arbitrators consisting of retired Judges of Supreme Court, High Courts and District Courts, retired senior Govt. officials of the rank of Secretary, Joint Secretary, CMDs, Directors and General Managers of Public Sector Enterprises and professionals viz., CAs, Advocates, Engineers and Marine Engineers etc. As on date, Forum has more than 350 empanelled Conciliators and Arbitrators from various regions of the country on its panel.
Since its inception the Forum has been working successfully and has finalised a large number of Conciliation and Arbitration cases in reasonable time at minimum cost.
Efforts have been made by writing letters to Secretaries to Govt. of India, CMDs, Directors (Finance) and Legal Heads of various PSEs to incorporate SFCA Clause in their contracts/agreements regarding adjudication of the disputes under the umbrella of SFCA.
A large number of PSUs including M/s IOCL, BPCL, SAIL, NFL, CONCOR, NHPC, Airport Authority of India Limited & M/s SJVN Limited have already opted SFCA Clause in their contracts and agreements.
The Forum has its own air-conditioned Arbitration Halls with all facilities like projector etc for holding the Arbitration/Conciliation Meetings in a very conducive atmosphere. Participants are served with tea, biscuits and mineral water during the meeting. At present the charges for Arbitration hall is Rs. 6490/-(inclusive of GST) and the payment should be remitted to the Forum in advance. Lunch and high tea can also be arranged by the Forum on request in advance at the cost of the parties.
