The International labour Day was no occasion for cheer for hundreds of labourers who have no job because of closure of many factories in Sundergarh district.
According to sources, Odisha had become largest sponge iron producer of country since 2000 with total 104 sponge iron plants out of which 45 are from Sundargarh district. They were situated mostly at Kalunga Industrial Estate, Rajgangpur, Kuanrmunda, Bonei and at other places. The owners of the units were going through good time due to hefty profit for some years and thousands had been directly and indirectly employed in these industries. However, due to high cost of iron ore, the sponge iron plants began to incur huge loss and went unviable.
Thereafter, the running of sponge iron plants in district has been very difficult due to which lakhs of persons particularly the workers who were working in these units became unemployed. Similarly, a number of induction furnace units in the district are now closed due to high power cost. A well known industry at Rajghangpur, Hari Machines limited, was closed. Another well known industry in Sundargarh district,
Adhunik Metaliks limited is not running in good condition since long. Thousands of employees, including a large number of labourers, have lost their jobs and are now struggling to survive. ORIND, a refractory unit, was closed long ago with hundreds of its employees laid off. Those employees and workers who had lost their jobs after closure of the unit are yet to get their outstanding dues form ORIND.
Another industry, Krishna Ferro Products limited based at Mandiakudar, was closed and the owner of the industry has not yet cleared the dues of its employees. The workers have been running to the owner to get their outstanding dues but in vain.
The Rourkela Steel Plant is also not in a good shape and the labourers who are engaged directly or indirectly to work in the RSP are not in joyous mood.
To celebrate the International labour Day on May 1, one day holiday is given to the labourers. But when they are worried about their future, the day has little meaning for them.
According to sources, a number of sick industries in Sundargarh district are also not depositing the provident fund and ESI contribution of their workers. As a result, the workers have been facing difficulties in running their family.