A recent media report linked RINL CMD Atul Bhatt’s ouster, by way of leave till retirement, with the proposed RINL’s merger into SAIL. It said that it was to facilitate the said merger. But the argument is on slippery ground as the government takes cautious and extraordinary moves to nurture and facilitate the merger process. Any merger or acquisition requires handholding. On the contrary, Atul Bhatt was abruptly proceeded on leave precisely for 82 days before retirement i.e. 30.11.2024. 

There is another set of speculation that says Labour Union was not happy with him and was opposed to Atul Bhatt’s way of functioning while another section believes that some procurement issue would have played role in his ouster. 

One more section of insiders is of the view that secretary was unhappy on his recent visit at RINL establishments. It assumes significance also because the newly appointed Union Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik (IAS: 1993: BH) is known for tough measures.

Whatever could be the reason, it came as surprise and drew attention of the stakeholders across sectors.

The development at RINL reminds of a recent, not too old, decision at SAIL faced an awkward situation where dozens of top executives were put under suspension for months. However, after the LS 2024 elections when the ministry got a new set of ministers, the issue got settled with executive being reinstated.