SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad Jan 29: Though the start of production in Hindustan Urvarak and Rasayan Limited (HURL) Sindri is almost two months away, the giant industry of Jharkhand has turned out to be a hotspot for agitation of trade unions and political parties.
After three days of lockout of factory gate in the second week of January by political parties, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has started an indefinite dharna at HURL’s gate demanding 75% employment to local residents as per the notification of state government.
Jharkhand Mazdoor Colliery Union president Ramu Mandal, who is leading the agitation, said that HURL management has to give employment to displaced persons and Sindri local residents as per notification of Jharkhand government. The indefinite dharna would continue till the management accepts the demands.
HURL, that has come up in place of closed factory of Fertilizer Corporation of India (FCI) Sindri, is consortium of four public sectors units namely Coal India Limited (CIL), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and FCI.
HURL will produce 3,850 tonnes neem coated urea per day. If all goes as per plan of officials, the factory would begin production from March, 2022.
Over the JMM dharna, HURL general manager Kamleswar Jha said that enrolment is beyond the authority of local management. So, he can’t assure on this demand.
“HURL management is compelled to follow the notification of the state government over giving 75 % of jobs to locals. The factory has already appointed locals in water supply, electrical maintenance, housekeeping, security and in other works,” he said.
This is the second time in this month that political parties have started agitation at HURL’s gate in support of their demand.
Earlier on January 11, Congress, Marxists Coordination Committee (MCC) of Arup Chaterjee, RJD, CPI, CPIM, JMM had locked the gate of factory demanding jobs and treatment for the two contractual workers who sustained burn injury while working.
After three days’ negotiation, finally the management broke the truce at Sindri police station by assuring to send the injured persons to Jamshedpur for burn injury treatment.
“Country’s first public sector unit FCI became a sick industry and finally shut down in 2002 due to continuous agitation of left parties. Now those elements have again become active to disturb HURL even before the industry starts production,” commented a retired officer of FCI Sindri.
