SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, March 18: The Rashtriya Colliery Mazdoor Union (RCMU) of the Congress Party has announced a Satyagraha at the headquarters of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) on April 7 to protest against the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) model and to press for other miners’ demands.
RCMU Executive President Brajendra Prasad Singh and General Secretary A.K. Jha stated that the BJP-led government and Coal India Limited (CIL) are handing over BCCL mines to private capitalists through the MDO model. In response, the miners’ union has decided to launch an agitation to oppose this move.
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Allegations Against Outsourcing Companies
Singh and Jha alleged that outsourcing companies are exploiting costly coking coal under the MDO model and illegally occupying BCCL quarters and land.
They further highlighted the plight of over 30,000 dependents of unfit BCCL miners, who are struggling for survival. Additionally, hundreds of youth under the Female VRS (Voluntary Retirement Scheme) have been denied jobs by the management, which they termed a national crime.
The union leaders also criticized the reduction in benefits for permanent employees and retired miners, stating that these issues have compelled RCMU to launch protests and agitations.
“Over 30,000 dependents of unfit BCCL miners are wandering for daily bread while hundreds of youth of Female VRS have been denied jobs by management which is a national crime. Moreover, facilities of permanent employees and retired miners have been reduced which prompts the RCMU to protest and agitate”, said AK Jha.
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One-Day Strike Notice on May 1
Apart from the Satyagraha at BCCL headquarters Koyla Bhawan on April 7, RCMU and Rashtriya Khan Mazdoor Federation (INTUC) will serve a one-day strike notice to the Ministry of Coal and BCCL management on May 1 to intensify their protest.
