Kalin ganagar, Jajpur: Promises of industrialization aimed at generating employment and enhancing the economic landscape for local inhabitants have fallen short, according to residents. Following the establishment of steel industries, many welcomed the arrival of several cement plants, including JSW Cement.
However, allegations have emerged that JSW Cement is prioritizing workers from outside Odisha for jobs, including temporary positions filled through contractors, instead of hiring local residents. Reports indicate that the cement plant was set up on 15 acres originally designated for Jindal Stainless Steel, raising concerns about adherence to land acquisition laws.
This transfer has reportedly denied local landowners and their families the chance to pursue further legal claims regarding the land. The arrangement has sparked doubts regarding compliance with local employment regulations, as many employees at the cement facility are said to be from other states, according to local complaints.
The commitments made by JSW during a public forum held at Danagadi Bhavan on May 3, 2017, appear to have gone unfulfilled. Local authorities, social organizations, and political groups have reportedly shown little interest in assessing or reporting the number of local workers hired at the plant.
Furthermore, the placement of JSW Cement on land allocated for Jindal Stainless Steel has led to suspicions that this setup aims to circumvent worker organization efforts, limiting the ability of employees to advocate for their rights.
Local residents allege that workers from other states are being favored over them, leaving those who lost land and affected families without the promised job opportunities. The plant has an annual production capacity of 1.2 million tonnes and was established at a cost of Rs 318 crore, producing various types of cement including Portland pozzolana cement (PPC) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS).
During public hearings, the company estimated its expenses for environmental management at Rs 16.5 crore and Rs 20.05 crore for community development. It also claimed it would hire 75 people during construction and 185 once operations commenced; however, these promises have reportedly not been met.
As the two factories operate under distinct names on land allocated by IDCO, residents have accused both entities of misleading the local population regarding job availability. Reports suggest that Odia-speaking workers and local contractors face mental harassment, with delays in processing their pending bills, while claims from non-Odia employees are reportedly settled swiftly.
Additionally, allegations of systemic bribery have surfaced within the major industrial facility. The company’s vigilance unit recently conducted a raid, resulting in the dismissal of two employees, and the removal of the vigilance head for allegedly aiding those involved in corrupt practices.
Despite these measures, there are reports that some officials continue to engage in irregularities. Efforts to reach JSW’s human resources officer, Partha Khuntia, for comment were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls.
