Helpless BAl appeals to Govt for normalcy at plant

As normalcy is still a distant dream at the Balasore Alloys ltd (BAl) premises, a profit-making enterprise in Baleswar, the plant authorities have urged the State Government to intervene in the matter and restore peace at the plant. The plant is facing unrest since November last after the authorities initiated disciplinary action against certain employees and contractor-recruited staff following an incident of vandalism when an employee died in an accident in the plant premises.

BAl managing director Anil Surekha told mediapersons here that the plant has been witnessing law and order situation since November 5 last year when a contractor employee died as a Skip caved in on his head. He was working without informing any senior officers of control room operator. “After the mishap, we immediately provided `15 lakh compensation to the deceased’s family and a job. However, some unscrupulous elements with malafide intentions instigated some employees and workmen of the contractors who vandalised the premises and even manhandled plant staff, including women employees. After an FIR was lodged, prohibitory orders were clamped which was disposed off on February 12,” said Surekha.

Following the vandalism, the management conducted a domestic probe and placed some regular workmen of the plant and contractor’s workmen on suspension pending investigation following which one employee was assaulted by a group of anti-social elements on February 20. “Thereafter, there have been attempts to shut down the furnace and other vital segments of the plant while executives and other employees are getting threat calls regularly,” added Surekha.

“Such is the situation that employees are scared of reporting to work. Hundreds of employees will witness serious implications on the life if the shuts down,” said Surekha. Although local administration has been apprised of the State of affairs and police are informed about the situation, but to no avail, alleged the plant authorities. “We urged the State administration to intervene in the matter without any further delay,” urged the managing director