PESO officers are facing immense pressure from the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, leading to severe consequences. The 125-year-old organization is struggling with manpower shortages, forcing officers to process thousands of hazardous jobs within tight deadlines.
The situation has become dire, with officers like Mr. Nishant attempting suicide due to work pressure. Another officer is in the ICU in Gujarat, while Mr. VB Borgoankar has opted for voluntary retirement due to the overwhelming strain.
The primary issue is the acute manpower shortage, which forces officers to work under tight deadlines to approve and license hazardous materials. This has led to safety concerns being ignored, putting lives at risk.
PESO’s responsibilities include regulating the Explosives Act, Petroleum Act, and more. However, without adequate manpower, officers are unable to perform their duties safely and efficiently. The government must address this issue to prevent further severe consequences.
