Bokaro- The agitation by trained youths from families displaced by the Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) intensified on Thursday, with protesters blocking two entry gates and threatening to disrupt production over demands for permanent jobs and a clear recruitment policy.
A total of 106 youths affiliated with the Visthapit Naujawan Sangharsh Morcha have been on an indefinite hunger strike at Two-Tank Garden near the plant premises for the past six days. They have blocked Gates 9 and 10 and warned that they would extend the blockade to other entrances if the management failed to address their demands.
The protesters are seeking permanent appointments for 1,500 trained apprentices from displaced families, restoration of the earlier reservation arrangement in Class-IV jobs and a clear employment policy for eligible dependants of those who surrendered land for the steel plant.
Morcha president Arun Kumar Mahato alleged that the BSL management had not taken their demands seriously. He said families had given up their land for the establishment of the plant, yet their dependants continued to struggle for employment.
Mahato warned that the agitation would be intensified and attempts could be made to halt plant operations if the management failed to take concrete steps.
Another protest leader, Sunil Kumar, said the youths had been receiving assurances for nearly one-and-a-half years, but no concrete decision had been taken on their appointment. He alleged that trained candidates were still waiting for jobs and were being asked to accept contractual employment instead of permanent positions.
The protesters have demanded that the management announce a definite timeline for recruiting eligible youths from displaced families.
The escalating agitation has also raised concerns over industrial safety and production. BSL’s security department has written to the district administration, informing it about the situation and warning of possible disruption to plant operations.
Concerns have been expressed over the potential impact on several units, including the coke ovens and the Cold Rolling Mill (CRM), if the blockade expands or affects the movement of personnel and materials.
In view of the situation, the administration has deployed magistrates near Two-Tank Garden in three shifts to monitor developments and maintain law and order.
Meanwhile, some hunger strikers whose health deteriorated were taken to Sadar Hospital for treatment.
The standoff between the displaced youths and the plant management remains unresolved. While the protesters are demanding permanent employment and a transparent recruitment policy, concerns are growing over the possible impact of an intensified agitation on the functioning and safety of the steel plant.
–IANS