United India looks out for HR consultants

Venkatachari Jagannathan
24 February 2004

The consultant is expected to study the existing work process and parameters of the supervisory and clerical cadres in 32 offices located in four zones.

The other aspects to be studied are: (a) Time and motion study (b) Assessment of average workload of supervisory and clerical cadre in different types of operating offices (c) Preparation of cadre strength norms for supervisory and clerical cadres in relation to the workload including development of adjusted workload parameters for increase/decrease of clerical staff vis-a-vis increase/decrease in business parameters.

It may be recalled that United India, along with three other government-owned general insurance companies, have announced a VRS scheme. As per initial estimates around 6,500 employees have opted to exit the four companies — National Insurance Company, New India Assurance Company, Oriental Insurance Company and United India. The total workforce in all the four companies is around 80,000.

Contrary to the management's expectations a higher number of officers, fearing transfers after VRS, have opted to avail of voluntary retirement.

Says United India's chairman and managing director V Jagannathan: "Around 1,000 officers have opted for VRS and 800 in class III and IV (clerical and peon) cadres."