Steel Workers Federation Launches Nationwide Protest Against VSP Privatization

The Steel Workers Federation of India Vice President J. Ayodhyaram has called for a nationwide movement to oppose the privatization of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP).

Speaking at the 10th All India Conference of the Steel Workers Federation held in Rourkela on September 6 and 7, Ayodhyaram moved a resolution against the privatization of VSP. The resolution was seconded by Tamil Nadu CITU Secretary Panneerselvam and was unanimously adopted by the house.

Ayodhyaram highlighted that on January 27, 2021, the BJP government at the Centre decided to sell 100% of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. He noted that multiple trade unions had come together to form the Visakhapatnam Steel Preservation Struggle Committee to oppose the privatization. The committee continues to run active campaigns to protect VSP.

He added that the government had allocated Rs 11,400 crore for the plant, but the funds are earmarked solely for paying GST and bank dues. Ayodhyaram expressed concern that around 1,600 workers were dismissed under voluntary retirement schemes, while 5,000 contract workers were forcibly removed. He warned that the workforce needed to sustain the movement has weakened and urged steel industry workers across India to support the cause.

Supporting the call, Panneerselvam said the steel working class is ready to stand with VSP employees. He criticized the Centre’s approach to public sector industries and emphasized efforts to ensure that the steel plant remains in the public sector.

During the conference, U. Ramaswamy, T.V. K. Raju, Pullarao, B. Mahesh, Maridayya, Neelakantham, B.N. Madhusudhan, Nammi Ramana, O.V. Rao, and six other members were elected to the new executive committee of the Visakha Steel CITU Steel Workers Federation.