The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) on Friday blamed the Union and the State Government for dismal industrial situation in Odisha in general and Sundargarh in particular.
“Sundargarh was once considered as the industrial capital of Odisha with around 3,000 industries, including the Rourkela Steel Plant. But more than 93 per cent of industries are locked out now. Out of 45 sponge iron units, 35 are closed and the rest are running for name shake,” said CITU national vice-president Bishnu Mohanty at a Press meet here.
He also stated that over 3.5 lakh people have been unemployed due to closure of 2,700 of 3,000 industries in the district. Due to the crisis thousands of labourers are in starvation in the district too. The faulty policies of the State and the Union Governments have led to the dismal situation, he alleged.
“While some industries are facing crisis due to unavailability of raw materials, some others have been victim of fall of demand in the market,” he observed.
He wanted to know as to why steel sector in India, which produces only 80 MT per annum, is facing crisis when China, producer of 860 MT steel, runs its industries very smoothly.
“It is the faulty globalisation and liberalisation economic policy of the Union Government to be blamed. Now the Modi Government is using globalisation at the behest of private corporate houses and foreign capitalists,” he alleged.
Commenting on RSP, Mohanty said contract workers are not getting their wages in time and at the time of termination their final dues are not being settled.
He threatened that the CICU would stage a mass agitation in coming days if the Government doesn’t change its policy soon.
Among others, Biman Maity, Banamali Dhupal, Jahangir Alli, Srimant Behera, Surendra Dash, Surendra Mohanty and Rajkishore Pradhan were present.