Controversy Erupts Over Skit at IndianOil Digboi Independence Day Event; PMO & Assam CM Alerted

Reported by Binod Bagra

Digboi: A major controversy has emerged over a skit presented during the Independence Day celebration held at the ED Office of IndianOil’s Assam Oil Division in Digboi. The performance reportedly touched upon several sensitive national issues, including the alleged NEET paper leak, regional development activities, and poverty. During the skit, slogans such as “We will take our freedom” and “We will take freedom from hunger” were reportedly raised by the performers.

The matter has now gained widespread attention, with formal complaints and demands for strict action circulating on social media. Crucially, the issue has been brought to the notice of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, and the Chief Minister of Assam.

Significantly, complaints on social media platforms have reportedly sought the immediate suspension of the concerned General Manager of Human Resources (GM-HR) in connection with the controversy. This demand has added another dimension to the issue, raising serious questions about the responsibility and oversight of the officials involved in organizing the event.

The incident has sparked a debate over the accountability of the IndianOil Digboi management. The primary question being raised by observers is how such a performance and its associated slogans were cleared to be part of an official Independence Day programme at a premier Public Sector Undertaking (PSU).

Was the script or content of the skit reviewed beforehand? If it was reviewed, why were the controversial remarks and slogans permitted on a national holiday? Conversely, if the management was unaware of the content, does that point to a severe lapse in the supervision of the official programme?

The issue assumes greater significance precisely because IndianOil is a government-owned enterprise. While freedom of expression, satire, and social commentary have their rightful place in a democratic society, official programmes organized by public sector organizations are expected to maintain strict institutional responsibility, professionalism, and decorum.

Attention has now shifted to Mr. A. S. Sahney, Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation Limited, and how the top management chooses to navigate the fallout. Stakeholders are watching to see if the company will seek official explanations from the Digboi executives, review the complete recording of the performance, and fix responsibility if an administrative lapse is established. Should serious negligence be found, disciplinary actions—including potential suspensions—could be on the table.

The specific demand for the suspension of the concerned GM (HR) has further intensified the focus on the role of the management in the entire episode. However, any disciplinary action will ultimately depend on the findings of an official inquiry and the company's applicable service rules.

What began as a cultural performance at an Independence Day event has now escalated into a high-level administrative issue. With the matter reaching the PMO, the Petroleum Ministry, the Assam Government, and the top management of IndianOil, the company's response in the coming days will be closely monitored.

The larger question remains: will the IndianOil management treat the incident merely as an overzealous cultural performance, or will it strictly examine the alleged lapse in supervision and accountability?