Bokaro Steel Plant land dispute: Champai Soren calls for jobs or return of unused plots

BJP leader Champai Soren says unused Bokaro Steel Plant land acquired from displaced families in the 1960s should be returned or linked to promised employment. He cites ongoing grievances among displaced tribal families over compensation and rehabilitation, and refers to legal provisions on returning long-unused land, following a protest-related death.

BJP leader Champai Soren warned that unused land held by Bokaro Steel Plant may be ploughed in protest. Champai Soren said the land was taken from displaced families about six decades ago. Champai Soren said jobs were promised, or land would be returned. Champai Soren said action would follow if the state government or BSP management failed.

The dispute links back to the early 1960s, when many tribal families were moved for the plant. Many displaced people said compensation was inadequate or missing. Several families also said rehabilitation support did not arrive. Many also said employment commitments were not met. Champai Soren said these claims showed a long-running failure in implementation.

Bokaro Steel Plant land: deadline and warning

Champai Soren set a time window and gave a clear condition. "If, in the next one and a half months, the youths who have completed apprenticeships are not given jobs, and the problems of the displaced are not resolved, we will join the land owners and plough the vacant land of the Bokaro Steel Plant,\" Soren said.

Champai Soren referred to legal provisions on unused acquired land. \"When the Land Acquisition Act has a provision to return land that remained unused for 12 years after acquisition, what is the problem in returning the plots that have been lying vacant for sixty years?\" he asked. Champai Soren said vacant plots should go back to original owners.

Bokaro Steel Plant displaced families: protest and death

Champai Soren raised the issue after an event in Bokaro. Champai Soren said this in a social media post after unveiling Prem Prasad Mahato’s statue. Mahato, described as an educated youth, died last year during a lathi charge. The lathi charge took place during a Displaced Apprentices Union protest, according to Champai Soren.

Champai Soren said the prolonged struggle was unacceptable. \"It is shameful that even six decades after land acquisition in the 1960s, the displaced people here are still forced to struggle for their rights and lay down their lives,\" Soren, a former chief minister, said. Champai Soren is also the BJP MLA from Seraikela.

Bokaro Steel Plant apprenticeships: jobs versus certificates

Champai Soren alleged that apprenticeships did not lead to hiring. Champai Soren claimed BSP trained nearly 1,500 youths from displaced families in recent years. Champai Soren said the training was presented as apprenticeships. Champai Soren said the youths received certificates instead of jobs. \"This is outright fraud,\" he said.

Champai Soren warned that responsibility lay with the state government or BSP management. Champai Soren said either promised employment must be given or land must be released. Champai Soren linked the warning to long-vacant plots and pending grievances. The issue remains tied to compensation, rehabilitation, and employment for families displaced in the 1960s.

With inputs from PTI