Protests Intensify at Bokaro Steel Plant Over Employment Demands
Displaced families at Bokaro Steel Plant escalate protests for permanent employment, blocking all gates except the main entrance.
Bokaro, October 16 (Daily Kiran) : Displaced families at the Bokaro Steel Plant in Jharkhand are intensifying their protests for permanent employment. On Friday, the movement entered its seventh day, with demonstrators blocking all plant entrances except the main gate indefinitely. This disruption has significantly affected employee access, with some workers forced to turn back and others managing to enter through the main gate.
The protest, led by the Displaced Apprentices Association, has exacerbated an ongoing deadlock with management regarding employment issues. Activists argue that despite repeated discussions, no concrete decisions have been made regarding their appointments. They are now demanding a clear process and timeline for employment rather than mere assurances.
According to the protesters, an agreement was reached during a tripartite meeting following the death of displaced family member Prem Mahto, but nearly 16 months later, no action has been taken. They contend that displaced families provided land for the plant’s establishment, and their youth completed apprenticeship training, yet permanent job opportunities remain elusive. The activists are also calling for the reinstatement of displaced apprentices who have completed their training and the implementation of a clear employment policy for displaced families.
The uncertainty surrounding job placements has left many young people anxious about their futures. Previously, protesters had blocked Gates 9 and 10, warning management that they would escalate their movement if demands were not addressed. Under the banner of the Displaced Youth Struggle Front, 106 young individuals are currently on a hunger strike near the Two-Tank Garden. Some participants have required medical attention during the protest, raising concerns about the impact of the gate closures on the plant’s normal operations.
The security department of Bokaro Steel Plant has expressed worries to the administration regarding potential effects on production and industrial safety due to the protests. Management has urged the demonstrators to seek solutions through dialogue. Local MLA Shweta Singh continues to support the protesters, joining them on the seventh day of their sit-in. As of now, the activists remain firm in their demands, showing no signs of ending their hunger strike.
