Bokaro: At least 100 displaced agitators demonstrated in front the headquarters of Bokaro Steel Limited (BSL) on Friday. They also entered into a scuffle with the security personnel when the latter resisted their entry into the building, following which, the protesters sat on a dharna on the road, disrupting traffic in front of the Ispat Bhawan gate for several hours.
The protesters under the banner of Displaced Apprentice Association shouted anti-BSL slogans and demanded employment. A member of the union, Arvind Kumar said that they had pursued apprentice training at BSL, a unit of Steel Authority of India Limited. The move had come after the BSL management had said that displaced people cannot be directly employed and jobs can be given only after becoming an apprentice.
Kumar said, “It has been a long time since we have completed our apprenticeships, but they have not provided us with jobs. We were left with no choice than to protest amid the pandemic in order to get their attention. We will intensify our agitation if our demands are not fulfilled.” Chief of communication, BSL, Manikant Dhan said they are looking into the matter.
Although the area within 100 metre in front BSL’s headquarters is a prohibited ground, it has turned into an agitation ground of late. In the last one month, at least half a dozen small and big demonstrations took place in the spot, creating hurdles for commuters and employees. Friday’s agitation was the fourth in the current week.