NCST seeks immediate rehabilitation of tribals displaced by RSP

Rourkela: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) today asked the Odisha government to take immediate steps for rehabilitation and resettlement of the tribal people displaced by the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP).

A 5-member team of NCST led by Chairperson Nand Kumar Sai had arrived in Rourkela today to address the issues of the displaced tribals. It has been alleged that neither the plant authorities nor the district administration have come forward for their rehabilitation and resettlement. Besides, RSP has not provided jobs to the tribals as promised.

"It has been more than 60 years that we have given our land to the plant and all the displaced families are residing here in Tangarpali. We even don't have the land documents of the current place and are dependent on a nearby farmland for our livelihood," said a displaced tribal.

After meeting the displaced families, NCST Chairperson said the Commission will be forced to take stringent measures if the government does not taken any action.

"We hope the RSP, district administration and State government jointly take steps to resolve issues of these people. The people who have provided their land are unable to avail proper road connectivity; they are demanding formation of a panchayat but it is not heard; there are no proper education and healthcare facilities for them," he added.

"The officials of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) - may it be any IAS officer or any other person- will face stringent action. We could have ordered proceedings under Atrocities Act as it is a case of harassment," said NCST Vice Chairperson, Anusuiya Uikey.