by 
RSS-Backed Union Protests Mass Layoffs in Odisha
The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, is vocally opposing the recent layoffs of thousands of contractual workers across Odisha’s private power distribution sector. The organization has called for immediate action from Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention after unproductive discussions with Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who oversees the power portfolio.
In a formal letter, the BMS urged for a high-level tripartite meeting chaired by the Chief Minister to address the ongoing "illegal retrenchments." The correspondence pointed out that over 15,000 contract and outsourcing workers have been let go, creating a deteriorating industrial climate throughout the state, particularly affecting essential public utilities and industries. “We draw your immediate attention to the grave and deteriorating industrial atmosphere in Odisha caused by the sudden, large-scale retrenchment,” the letter stated.
The union expressed disappointment over a previous meeting held on May 24 that failed to yield a resolution. They warned of increasing unrest among the workforce, which underscores the need for the Chief Minister's swift involvement. “We demand an immediate halt to the ongoing mass retrenchments being executed under the guise of cost-cutting,” the BMS declared, calling for the reinstatement of all affected workers with full back wages.
Furthermore, the BMS has proposed the establishment of a dedicated "Odisha outsourcing model" aimed at securing job protections and standard working conditions to prevent arbitrary dismissals. They highlighted that the mass layoffs have disrupted countless families, leading to severe financial distress and undermining the government's goals of fostering sustainable local employment.
The union warned that the loss of skilled workers is already compromising the public utility infrastructure, leading to inadequate maintenance and emergency repairs. This situation threatens to exacerbate power outages, which would adversely affect not only households but also agricultural activities and small businesses during critical periods.
Comments