ONGC refutes reports of shifting Sivasagar RGL Labs, ensures commitment to state’s development

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 19, 2024

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGCL) authorities on Wednesday refuted the media report that there was any proposal with the oil major for shifting its Regional Geosciences Lab (RGL) from Sivasagar to out of the state.

In an official statement here on Wednesday, the ONGCL said: “There is no such plan to shift the present RGL from Sivsagar. ONGC reaffirmed the continued presence of RGL in Assam.”

“To cater to the growing operational requirements of the entire Northeast in general and Assam in particular, a new RGL with state-of-the-art technology has also been constructed in Jorhat. It will also play a significant role towards providing access to resources fostering a conducive environment for learning, skill development and research works for students of NE Region,” an ONGCL statement here stated.

“Further current RGL building at Sivsagar has also been renovated to provide better working conditions,” the statement said.

In response to the call for agitation by a section of organizations, ONGC reassured continued commitment to the economic and social development of Assam.

“ONGC remains focused on enhancing operational efficiency and achieving excellence in its operations. Internal organizational adjustments are part of our continuous efforts to improve operational efficiency and service delivery; not to undermine local interests,” the statement also said.

“Integral to Assam’s economic and social fabric, ONGC is deeply committed to the welfare of the communities and areas in which it operates, investing significantly in numerous community development projects through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in projects related to healthcare, education, infrastructure, skill development and other critical areas,” it added.

Taking to the X, the oil major wrote: “ONGC reaffirms that RGL in Sivsagar will stay, with no plans for relocation. Sivsagar’s RGL has also been renovated for better working conditions. A new state-of-the-art RGL in Jorhat further supports ONGC operations in the North East. ONGC’s dedication to Assam’s #development remains steadfast. We continue to enhance operations and serve the #community, investing in #healthcare, #education, #infrastructure, #skilldevelopment, and more through our #CSR initiatives.”