Jajpur: Noted industrialist and CMD of Mesco Steel Rita Singh, who was forced to remain under house arrest by factory workers for 24 hours, was released today after the intervention of the SP and the ADM.
Hundreds of workers of Maithan Steel, a subisidiary of Mesco Group, headed by Rita’s daughter Sipra Singh had forcefully confined the industrialist at a hotel in Kalinganagar area over allegations of non-payment of pending salaries after closure of the plant a year ago.
Workers of the plant led by BJD's Sukinda MLA, Priti Ranjan Ghadei detained Singh after discussions over the issue failed on Tuesday.
However, the SP and the ADM intervened in the matter and rescued Singh.
The agitating workers alleged that despite a tripartite negotiation between the company and the workers in the presence of district administration officials, SP Charan Singh Meena and worker’s representatives; the company authorities have not cleared the arrears.
“The Maithan Steel authorities have shut the plant and have also not paid our pending dues. Despite approaching the plant authorities time and again, they have been giving us false assurances. We were promised that our salaries will be paid and the plant will be restarted by November 2019, but it is yet to materialise. So ultimately, we chose to intensify our agitation,” said a protester, Bijay Dalai.
After her release from house arrest, Rita Singh condemned the incident and said “Industries have good and bad phases, but it is in the best interests of all if we allow it to run despite all odds. As the steel sector is in a slowdown, I assured the workers that let the company run and once we get a financer, the situation will improve.”
“We paid the workers Rs 55 lakh settled as per our last agreement which unfortunately got delayed. I have put forward my recommendation but they are hell bent on securing full and final payment. So let them come with a feasible suggestion,” said Singh.
“I have worked for 32 years and I hope that at least entrepreneurs are given respect,” Singh added.
Briefing about the incident, ADM of Kalinganagar Santosh Mishra said, "Mesco CMD Rita Singh has no direct authority over Maithan Steel but since she is the mother of the plant's MD Sipra Singh, the protesters detained her seeking urgent intervention to clear out their dues. After discussion, some amount of the pending arrears have been paid to workers and the plant authorities have assured to pay back the rest soon. Once the district collector and Maithan Steel MD return back, a meeting to start the plant will be held to resolve the issue."