Rail Blockade Protest Over Denial of Jobs
Again, complaints of arbitrariness on the part of NTPC officials have emerged, with the displaced communities accusing the company of making false assurances and withholding employment opportunities from the deserving candidates.
Six affected families of Kaniha have resorted to protesting through blocking the railway tracks at Ambapal Chhak, demanding job placement. The families argue that, despite being dislocated because of the NTPC project and bringing up their demands over the years, there is no initiative taken.
In 2016, at the time of the 7th RPDAC, the district administration had formally proposed jobs for the six families and sent a letter to NTPC. However, it appears that the company refused to comply with both the district administration and the community representatives.
Owing to the agitation, there is no movement of trains, thus causing great losses to the state government in terms of income. The aggrieved families have accused the officials of the NTPC of being negligent since they have been denied what is rightfully theirs despite having been promised.
The families have declared that they shall carry on their agitation until their demands are met.
