Reported by Laxman sharma
Digboi: Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Assam Oil Division (AOD), Digboi Refinery, and its canteen contractor, M/s Vidya Caterers, have issued separate clarifications after several local vendors alleged that payments for supplies made to the refinery canteen had remained pending for an extended period.
The controversy surfaced after a number of local suppliers claimed that dues for groceries, fresh vegetables, meat, and packaged drinking water supplied to the refinery canteen had not been settled for several months.
The vendors said the prolonged withholding of payments had placed significant financial strain on their businesses and affected their ability to continue operations.
In an official rejoinder issued by Deepankar Das, General Manager (Human Resources), IOCL AOD Digboi clarified that the refinery canteen is being operated by M/s Vidya Caterers under a contractual arrangement.
The company stated that procurement of consumables and settlement of payments to vendors engaged by the contractor are handled by the contractor in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.
The refinery management further stated that, upon receiving information regarding the grievances raised by some vendors, the matter was immediately taken up with M/s Vidya Caterers for verification and appropriate resolution of any dues found payable.
Necessary follow-up action, the statement said, is being undertaken in line with the relevant contractual provisions. IOCL also reiterated its commitment to fair, transparent, and responsible engagement with all stakeholders, including local vendors, contractors, and service partners.
Meanwhile, M/s Vidya Caterers, in a detailed clarification shared with media organisations, strongly denied that the amounts mentioned by certain vendors constitute admitted liabilities.
The contractor described the allegations as one-sided, misleading, and defamatory, and said publication of such claims had caused reputational, commercial, and operational harm to the organisation.
The contractor stated that the claims made by Shanti Traders, Organic Point, Samsuddin Mutton Shop, and Gautam Enterprise are disputed and subject to reconciliation, statutory compliance, and verification of documentary records.
Regarding Shanti Traders, which has reportedly claimed around Rs 8 lakh, Vidya Caterers stated that substantial payments had already been released. According to the contractor, any further settlement is subject to verification of GST compliance and submission of supporting proof relating to statutory obligations.
On the claim of approximately Rs 4 lakh by Organic Point, the contractor contended that the figure is exaggerated and unsupported by authenticated approvals or written confirmation. It stated that no final acceptance of the alleged amount has been issued.
In the case of Samsuddin Mutton Shop, which has claimed Rs 21,300, Vidya Caterers said certain deductions were made due to quality concerns, supply-related issues, and rate reconciliation discussions.
The contractor also disputed Gautam Enterprise’s claim of Rs 6,54,509 relating to supply of packaged drinking water. Vidya Caterers stated that the approved contractual quantity had already been exhausted and that no written purchase order or commercial approval had been issued for any additional supply beyond the authorised limit.
According to the contractor, any supply made beyond the approved quantity was undertaken without formal authorisation from M/s Vidya Caterers and, therefore, the alleged liability arising from such transactions remains disputed.
Vidya Caterers further stated that it possesses email correspondence, reconciliation statements, call records, and other supporting documents relating to all the disputed claims.
The company said it reserves the right to place these materials before competent authorities or courts, if necessary.
The contractor also called upon media organisations to publish its clarification in full, correct any misleading portions of earlier reports, and refrain from carrying unverified allegations.
With both IOCL and M/s Vidya Caterers placing their respective positions on record, the matter remains unresolved.
While the affected vendors continue to seek immediate release of their dues, the contractor maintains that several of the claims are disputed and subject to reconciliation and documentary verification.