Members of the Rourkela local Displaced Association (RlDA) from 32 villages here led by RlDA president Pravakiran Hurad submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik through the Rourkela ADM on Monday seeking his intervention for provision of early employment to displaced families’ members in the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP).
The memorandum stated that following continuous representation to local administration and the RSP management, it was resolved in the Rehabilitation and Peripheral Development Advisory Committee (RPDAC) review meeting in December, 2013 for appointment of 597 displaced persons in the RSP. However, no effective step has so far been taken either by the RSP or by the district admin in this regard.
Protesting this, several displaced family members had staged a demonstration at the Mandira Dam on September 25. And, on next day, the RSP management and local administration had assured the families for early resolve of the issue. “Instead of taking any step on the issue, the RSP management has notified for recruitment of 432 IIT and Diploma holders at all-India level. This has spurred deep resentment among the displaced people,” said RlDA President Hurad.
The members threatened to launch an economic blockade, if their demand is not fulfilled prior to the RSP interview and would also create hurdles in the interview process.