BSP trainees demand pemanent jobs

A day after four members of a family committed suicide for failing to get job on compassionate grounds, problems continue to haunt Bhilai Steel Plant, the flagship entity of the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).

About 150 trainee apprentices (TA) climbed atop a water tank near sector-9 hospital in Bhilai township and threatened to jump if the BSP management failed to announce absorbing them as permanent employee.

The incident had come as a big shock for SAIL's highest profit making entity at a time when the management was trying to recover from the tragic death of four members of a family on Tuesday.

 

Sunil’s mother and three sisters committed suicide by consuming poison after he failed to get job on compassionate grounds after his father’s death about 17 years ago. ML Sahu, Sunil’s father, was working as deputy manager in BSP when he committed suicide on 4 December, 1994.

Prior to taking the drastic step, members had kept themselves locked inside the quarters since 7 April and threatened to end their lives if their demands were not matched.

More than 150 TAs pressurised the company by climbing on top of a 1000 feet high water tank and starting agitation in support of their demand to get a permanent placement in the company.

The youths said that the company was 'cheating' them for last ten years. “BSP management has been giving assurance that they will be absorbed once there is vacancy, but no action has been taken for the last ten years,” the agitators said.

Amidst scorching heat, youths sat on dharna on top of the tank. Three youths reportedly fell sick and were immediately rushed to the hospital, where their condition was reported to be stable.

Till Wednesday evening, youths had not given up their agitation even as negotiation with top BSP and administrative officials failed to yield results.