Solar power plants fail to generate jobs to skilled locals of Anantapur district

Anantapur: Despite being given thousands of acres for the units, windmills and solar power generation plants have failed to provide minimum employment to skilled locals of Anantapur district.

Mr Phani Raj, who graduated in mechanical engineering from Anantapur, hoped for a proper job in the district itself, at least till he cleared his education loan. But lack of employment opportunities at the local units forced him to move to Mangalore district in Karnataka.

"I had applied at a solar generation unit and approached the authorities seeking an opportunity, but they simply said they would send a letter later," said the young engineering graduate, adding that there had been no communication till date.

He complained that it took more than a day to reach his family from Karnataka.
A mega solar unit has been established close to the Pennar River in Tadipatri area. CPI secretary K. Jagadish said the units should provide employment to locals.

Another skilled engineering graduate Sanjay Sinha complained that the few jobs that were there at the newly-established plants were given to non-locals. "I am working with a motor company at Bengaluru for lesser wages as no proper opportunities are available in the district," he said.

Mega windmill units too have failed to provide employment or even fulfill their corporate responsibilities. Thousands of acres of land were allocated for setting up these units in the district.

Nedcap officials, meanwhile, say that they have given clear instructions to the companies to fulfill their corporate responsibilities.