Days after BSL violence, company agrees to absorb displaced youths

Bokaro: Thirteen days after a displaced youth lost his life in a CISF lathi-charge during a protest, triggering a massive bandh that disrupted life in Bokaro town and operations at Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL), the district administration convened a meeting where it was decided that 50 displaced youths would be absorbed every month by the company.
"Fifty displaced apprentices will be offered employment on contract every month by BSL. The meeting was held on Tuesday evening at the Collectorate under the direction of deputy commissioner Vijaya Jadhav," said an administrative officer.
Additional collector Mohammad Mumtaz Ansari chaired the session, attended by representatives of the Displaced Apprentice Sangh and senior BSL officials. The decision aims to address the long-standing demands of around 1,500 trained apprentices, who have completed training under BSL and have been seeking jobs for years.
Tensions had escalated on April 3 when the protesters, staging a dharna at the BSL headquarters (Ispat Bhawan), clashed with security forces, leading to a fatality. Since then, the issue has gained momentum, with the administration working to find a middle ground.
During the meeting, the representatives raised concerns beyond employment — seeking clarity and support regarding skill-based jobs, medical facilities, housing, and employment security up to the age of 60. Each point was taken up for detailed discussion.
The administration directed BSL to offer contractual employment to 50 apprentices per month - including 20 candidates from the first training batch, 15 from the second, and 15 from the third. Selection will be made based on merit, skill, and trade priority. BSL officials agreed to the proposal and were instructed to complete the first round of hiring by April 30, said additional collector.
BSL also mentioned the need for higher-level guidance regarding medical and housing benefits. In response, the administration asked them to formally seek clarification from senior authorities, which will be reviewed in the next meeting. Further directives were issued on other related matters to ensure sustained engagement with the issue.
At this meeting, sub-divisional officer Chas Pranjal Dhanda, labour superintendent Ranjit Kumar, ED-HR Rajshree Banerjee from BSL management, general manager HRD Manish Jalota, GM Security Alok Chawla and representatives of displaced apprentices were present.