The Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) has outsourced the contract of surface coalmining overburden (OB) removal in the five open cast mines of Ib Coalfields to private firms since 2009.
These companies are mandated by MCL guidelines to hire locals and provide jobs to drivers, helpers, managers, supervisors, and security personnel.
These guidelines are intended to provide livelihood opportunities to the displaced landoustees.However, private players getting contract are allegedly flouting these norms and hiring people with political background and anti-social elements to threaten local communities.
The loot of public resources is an open secret in the local communities.These antisocial contractual employees are involved in the illegal transportation of coal from the mines of Ib Coalfields.
In the last few years, many lives have been taken due to gangwar in Brajrajnagar constituency area. But, the district administration lately has chalked out plans to counter these criminal forces.
Earlier, the displaced and landless youths were approaching the district administration for jobs since years together.
But, they were disheartened without any positive response from the administration. Inspite of their suitability for the jobs, outsiders and non-Odias of neighbouring Jharkhand and Bihar States managed to secure jobs. However, these arrangements are now going to be ended by the administration.
A meeting in this regard held on September 7 between police and district administration, has decided to give jobs to the MCL displaced and landless persons on priority basis in coalmines contracted agencies.
If suitable local candidates ate not found, the jobs will be provided to the candidates from other States, informed Sub Collector Siba Sankar Toppo.
Likewise, to ensure security, the private agencies will instal CCTV cameras, mention CMPF number in salary slips of the employees and ask candidates from other States to deposit police verification reports before joining agencies.