Chaibasa (Mail News Service): A delegation of retrenched workers from Chiria Mines in Manoharpur block met Jharkhand Minister Deepak Birua on Tuesday, demanding the immediate reinstatement of 245 workers who have been out of employment for the past four months.
The delegation, led by Rama Pandey of the Jharkhand Mazdoor Sangharsh Sangh, submitted a memorandum alleging that the workers were arbitrarily removed due to an alleged nexus between the contractor NSPL and SAIL management.
The workers stated that prolonged unemployment has pushed many families to the brink of starvation, making it increasingly difficult to meet basic household expenses. They alleged that despite repeated representations and several rounds of meetings, the management has continued to delay their reinstatement on one pretext or another.
According to the delegation, even the intervention of the local legislator failed to produce results, as neither the contractor nor the company management responded positively to their demands.
Taking serious note of the issue, Minister Deepak Birua immediately spoke to Chandan Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, and senior company officials to gather details of the matter. The minister directed the management to adopt a positive, transparent, and time-bound approach to resolve the issue and ensure justice for the affected workers.
Following the minister’s intervention, company officials reportedly assured that concrete steps would be taken soon and that a favourable decision regarding the reinstatement of the retrenched workers would follow.
The workers welcomed the minister’s proactive stance and expressed hope that their long-pending demand for reinstatement at Chiria Mines would finally be addressed, bringing relief to hundreds of affected families in the region.
