Joda: The family of a worker who died at TATA Sponge Iron Plant in Joda area of Keonjhar 15 years ago says it has not received compensation so far.
According to sources, victim Mohanty Karua was a labourer in the company. He died in August, 2004, on duty. So the company had assured the bereaved family compensation and job to one member of the family.
But Mohanty’s wife Bilashi Karua alleged that though 15 years had passed since her husband’s death, the company has not given any compensation as promised. In protest, Bilashi, her two daughters and son have sat on strike for an indefinite period.
Labour union AITUC has given its full support to the family that is ‘protesting for justice.’
However, Bileaipada police station IIC Ranjan Kumar Biswal tried to sort out the problem by calling the company authority. But none has come for discussion. When contacted, TATA Sponge Iron Plant corporate officer Sital Swain said that Mohanty’s son had been given a job under a contractor in the company. The company will decide on the other matters as per its legal provisions.
