Saswat Singhdeo

Bhubaneswar: Opposing the privatisation of Neelachal Ispat Nigam Limited (NINL) and demanding immediate resumption of operations, the Neelachal Banchao Milita Mancha and Central Trade Union have asked Odisha government to make investments to revive the factory.

Senior Congress leader Ramachandra Khuntia suggested that the State government may also consider merging NINL with companies like SAIL, RINL and NMDC.

Earlier, members of the employee association had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urging them to revive the factory.

"NINL, which employs 6,000 people directly and indirectly, has reportedly remained closed for past 5 months and in case the company is privatised chances are high that it will affect the livelihood of workers, who are yet to get their pending salaries," said Khuntia.

The Congress leader also alleged that the State government wants to sell the iron ore belonging to the factory.

Neelachal Banchao Milita Mancha Convenor, Ranjan Kumar said, “If our demands are not accepted by the Odisha government, we will stage protest in front of the Parliament.”

No comments could be obtained from company or State government offcials.

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