Villagers support ArcelorMittal steel project in Jharkhand

Global steel major ArcelorMittal's threat to look for other locations in the country for its proposed steel plant has proved to be a boon in disguise. The steel major opted for other locations after facing problems in acquiring land for its project in the state.

A section of villagers hailing from the Basia and Kamdara blocks in the Gumla district have formed an organization Pragatisheel Manch in support of the company's 12 million tonne per annum plant in the area.

The Manch activists recently submitted a memorandum signed by around 200 villagers of the two blocks to the deputy commissioner, Rahul Sharm in support of the project. The memorandum urged the district administration to extend the requisite support to the project.

The villagers pointed out in the memorandum that several youths in Gumla district were joining the Red brigade in the absence of adequate employment opportunities. The memorandum added that "Besides, a large number of poor people migrate to other places in search of employment. Many girls, who work as laborers and maids elsewhere, never return home.”

It further said that there is a lack of cultivable land in the area and that plenty of land is available for setting up industries. Besides, the workforce too is available in plenty, it said. "Unfortunately, outsiders are coming to Gumla to protest against the plant. These are anti-development people. The administration should extend all support to the project," Manch convener Sunil Kumar said. He claimed that the Manch has the support of over 500 land owners.

ArcelorMittal had recently threatened to pull out of the state in view of the delay in acquiring land for its project in Gumla and Khunti where the company intends to set up its plant at an investment of around INR 40,000 crore. The MoU signed for the plant in 2005 envisaged around 100000 direct and indirect jobs in the company. So far, the steel major has failed to acquire even an inch of the 10,000 acre land required for the project due to protests launched by anti-displacement organizations.

(Sourced from http://www.steelguru.com/news/index/2009/11/03/MTE4NDU3/Villagers_support_ArcelorMittal_steel_project_in_Jharkhand.html)

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