by S Pandey
Gua: Minister Deepak Biruwa has issued a stern ultimatum to the management of SAIL’s Gua operation, demanding the immediate employment of 500 villagers from 18 CSR-affected villages by September 8. Failure to meet this deadline will result in an indefinite economic blockade, which will be announced during the Gua Shahid Diwas on the same day.
During a visit to SAIL’s Gua Dak Bungalow to review preparations for Gua Shahid Diwas, Biruwa interacted with workers and assessed the situation. He expressed frustration with the Gua management’s repeated delays in addressing employment issues. Biruwa criticized the management’s condition of forest clearance for job creation, suggesting that the process should begin with the immediate employment of at least 100 individuals, and a total of 500 by September 8. He proposed a collaborative effort with other MLAs to secure forest clearance and ensure employment for 50 individuals from each village thereafter.
Biruwa refuted BJP’s criticisms, accusing them of making baseless allegations and failing to fulfill their promises of providing employment. He pointed out that the BJP’s administration had previously closed significant employment providers such as railways, BSNL, and banking sectors, and had not delivered on promises of creating jobs. He also highlighted the BJP’s failure to establish the promised steel plant in Chidiya-Manoharpur.
The Gua mine, which plays a critical role in supporting SAIL’s steel plants, is now at the center of political contention. Any economic blockade could severely impact SAIL’s operations, adding pressure on the management to address the employment issue. The current situation follows a previous slowdown movement led by former Chief Minister Madhu Koda in July, which ended after tripartite talks, but no new employment has been created since.
SAIL officials, including CGM Kamal Bhaskar and CGM (JGOM) Dhirendra Mila, met with Minister Biruwa and other key local figures, including District Council President Lakshmi Soren, to discuss the ongoing employment concerns. The meeting was attended by representatives from the 18 affected villages and various local leaders.