Are Promises of Employment by JSW Cement Just Empty Words? Local Residents Speak Out!
Concerns Over Job Promises in Jajpur
Jajpur: The promise of industrial growth was expected to enhance job opportunities and uplift the economic status of local communities. Residents of Kalin ganagar in Jajpur district welcomed the arrival of multiple cement plants following the establishment of steel industries, hoping for better employment prospects.
However, allegations have surfaced that JSW Cement has not delivered on its job promises, favoring workers from outside Odisha for even temporary positions. Reports indicate that the cement plant was set up on 15 acres of land originally designated for Jindal Stainless Steel, allegedly circumventing land acquisition regulations.
This transfer has reportedly hindered affected landowners from pursuing legal claims regarding their land. Furthermore, it raises concerns about adherence to local employment mandates, as many employees at the cement facility are said to be from outside the state.
The commitments made by JSW during a public hearing on May 3, 2017, appear to be unfulfilled. Local authorities, social organizations, and political entities have shown little interest in verifying the employment status of local residents at the plant.
The establishment of JSW Cement on land meant for Jindal Stainless Steel has also led to suspicions that this arrangement aims to suppress trade union activities and prevent workers from organizing for their rights.
Local residents, particularly those who lost land, feel deprived of the promised job opportunities, as workers from other states are reportedly prioritized for employment. The project, which has an annual production capacity of 1.2 million tonnes, is valued at Rs 318 crore and produces various types of cement.
During a public hearing, the company projected an investment of Rs 16.5 crore for environmental management and Rs 20.05 crore for community development. They also pledged to hire 75 individuals during construction and 185 once operations commenced. However, these commitments have allegedly not been met.
As the two factories operate under different names on land allocated by IDCO, residents accuse both entities of misleading the community regarding job availability. Local contractors and Odia-speaking employees reportedly face mental harassment, with delays in payment for their services, while bills from non-Odia employees are processed swiftly.
Allegations of corruption have emerged within the major industrial unit, leading to a recent raid by the company's vigilance department, resulting in the dismissal of two employees. The head of the vigilance department was also removed for allegedly aiding those accused of misconduct.
Despite these measures, reports suggest that some officials continue to engage in irregular practices. Attempts to reach JSW’s human resources officer, Partha Khuntia, for comment were unsuccessful.