BJD stages protest in front of central PSUs over rising unemployment

Bhubaneswar: Protesting the failure of the Centre to provide enough jobs to youths in the State, the ruling BJD today staged demonstrations in front of different central public sector units (PSUs) across Odisha.

Sloganeering against PM Narendra Modi-led BJP government at the Centre, hundreds of agitating members of the BJD staged dharna in front of many PSUs including Nalco, IOCL, MCL and Rail Sadan in Bhubaneswar.

The regional party alleged that even though these companies are making huge profits in the State, Odia youths are denied jobs in the units.

The BJD further alleged that if the Centre would have provided employment to two crore Odia youths in the five years of its reign, nearly 36 lakh youths would have got employment in the PSUs till date. But BJP has failed to so, the regional party leaders stated.

“The PM had assured jobs to 1 lakh youths and transfer Rs 15,000 to each bank account. Even after four and half years of regime those promises are yet to be fulfilled and people will definitely answer to it,” alleged Tourism and Culture Minister Ashok Panda.

While responding to the allegations, BJP state general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan said, “BJD is opposing the central PSUs and the demonstrations in front of it shows that the party is not interested in strengthening the economy of the State.”