The family members of a physically challenged person have launched an indefinite hunger strike in front of Paradip Refinery, IOCL demanding employment.
Physically challenged Prasant Sahu was working as gardener in Paradip Refinery of IOCL since last five years. He was working as contractual workers under the contract agency.
Advertisement
In March last year, IOCL officers had asked him to return his gate pass and had assured he would be offered a permanent job, said Sahu.
He surrendered his gate pass and the contract agency terminated his services. Since one year he is jobless. Mr Sahu alleged the money deducted towards ESI, EPF etc has not been returned to him.
His wife Chabirani Sahu narrated her plight and said the family had given two acres of land for the IOCL plant. As land losers/displaced people we are entitled for emloyment but my husband has been thrown out.
We are unable to provide dress materials, study materials and food to my one son & daughter while 72 years old father in law is bed ridden as he is kidney patient but we have failed to provide medicine for treatment, she added.
Nearly 3,345 acres of land from 17 revenues villages under Kujanga and Erasama areas had acquired for the refinery project. Secretary of Krushak Ekta Manch, Mr Dhirendra Biswal said the Manch has sought the intervention of district administration and IOCL authority for providing job to Mr Sahu. Chief Manager (A&W), Paradip Refinery Mrs Manjushree Singh informed that IOCL is aware of the case and is in talks with the concerned contract agency to re-engage Sahu.
