May 4th 2024.
Angry workers and residents of Banua and nearby villages in Keonjhar took to the streets on Friday morning to voice their frustrations. They gathered in front of the main gate of the MSP factory and refused to allow the Executive Director to enter the premises. This outburst comes after months of simmering discontent among the locals and employees, who are unhappy with the company's management practices. The ED was unable to enter the factory and had to turn back, as the demonstrators stood their ground.
According to sources, the sponge iron unit, which was established in 2000, has now expanded into a steel factory with the support of the local community and the hard work of its employees. The project includes a sponge iron factory, a rolling mill, and a pellet factory. Interestingly, around 80% of the 3,500 workers employed in this factory are from the surrounding areas.
However, in recent months, the management of the factory has caused dissatisfaction among the workers and locals. The main issues revolve around the company's failure to control pollution, contribute to the development of the area, and engage in social work with the involvement of the community. It is alleged that instead of providing ORS water during the scorching summer months, the company has been giving water mixed with salt and sugar. This is further aggravated by the fact that there are no water kiosks available, as there were in previous years. The workers are also facing the threat of being laid off, as the company is reportedly preparing a list for downsizing. Moreover, the company's efforts at afforestation have been unsuccessful due to inadequate irrigation. The streets are plunged into darkness at night because the electricity bills for the street lights have not been paid. The locals claim that developmental projects initiated by the company's president, Debabrat Swain, have been halted in the surrounding areas and districts.
As a result, the workers and locals took to the gate in the morning to express their grievances, causing the ED to be turned away. Sanjay Munda, a local sarpanch, stated, "Developmental projects have come to a standstill. The plantation has been destroyed due to lack of proper irrigation and maintenance. The street lights are not working due to unpaid electricity bills. The roads are in disrepair. Air pollution has increased. It is no surprise that the people are unhappy and have resorted to such protests multiple times in the past."
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