MCL Gives in to Villagers’ Demand
ANGUL: After a protracted tug of war, Mahanadi Coalfield Limited (MCL) finally gave in to the demands of the agitating villagers of Hensmul by agreeing to revoke the termination orders of 126 villagers by July 10.
“MCL authorities agreed to revoke the dismissal orders of these villagers in a meeting here,” said Talcher Sub-Collector Saroj Samal. After withdrawal of the order by MCL, there will be a project level advisory meeting soon to finalise one of the two resettlement sites now available for the villagers to shift. These two sites are near Balanda College and Baghmara. The meeting was attended by villagers and MCL Director JP Singh.
In May, the MCL terminated services of 126 land oustees for failing to vacate their homestead land in Hensmul. Though MCL authorities claimed that they acted as per rule books, it sparked off an outcry among the trade union leaders and the workers.
The villagers were given jobs in three collieries.