Powergen India Private Limited (PIPL) was a wholly owned subsidiary of Powergen plc (UK) during 2001. It was contractually responsible for the operation and maintenance of the 655MW Paguthan Combined Cycle Power Plant which is owned by Gujarat Powergen Energy Corporation Limited (GPEC). During 2001, Powergen owned an 88% stake in GPEC. This was reduced to 29.6% in February 2002. Currently Powergen has a 20% interest in GPEC.

Human resources

PIPL and GPEC have adopted HR policies from Powergen UK covering topics such as Equal Opportunity, Travel and Housing Policies. This also ensures compliance with Indian labour laws.

A common salary scale has been adopted for PIPL and GPEC staff employed at Paguthan. Both companies also publish and uphold the Powergen UK Values.

In accordance with the Indian Land Acquisition Act, several people who lost land as a result of the project (‘land losers’) are employed at Paguthan.

Social welfare

GPEC is a major contributor to the economy of the mainly rural communities around Paguthan. But we also aim to be socially active and to contribute to the sustainable social development of these communities.

To achieve this the company has created the Paguthan Power Plant Social Development Trust which aims to:

• Support primary education
• Promote communal primary health awareness
• Arrange medical camps and diagnostic check-ups
• Help to create a sustainable livelihood in the surrounding areas.

The Trust has implemented various initiatives. The School Net K-10 programme seeks to bring more technology into the classroom, whilst the Trust’s Adolescent Education Scheme provides personal, social and health education to 10-15 year olds.

The Trust also runs health camps (e.g. eye treatment and cancer awareness) for all ages and an immunisation support programme. The Trust will very soon take over the management of 13 Anganwadi Centres in 10 villages surrounding Paguthan. These Centres aim to improve the health and nutrition of children aged under six through an education programme with mothers.