Ferro-alloy workers face odds as units reduce operations due to power tariff hike

Visakhapatnam: Around 12,000 workers have lost their livelihood as Ferro-alloy companies reduced their operations in Vizianagaram district for the past few months, due to a hike in power tariff. There are approximately 18 Ferro alloy units in Bobbili, Garividi and Kothavalasa areas.

Many units have announced layoff while many more are likely to fully halt operations in the near future, say Left leaders. On July 15, Facor Alloys Ltd announced suspension of the plant operations.

Union minister of state for chemicals and fertilizers Bhagawanth Khuba said in reply to queries from the media, “I have no information that so many workers have lost their jobs. I will inquire about it.”

Meanwhile, on Monday, the central government's Rozgar Upadhi Mela was held in Vizag. Union minister Khuba and BJP MP GVL Narasimha Rao participated in it. The Union minister claimed that 51,106 candidates were given job letters in the central Armed Police Forces Rozgar Mela from across the country, including AP, as desired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said more than 5 lakh central government jobs had been given last year and 10 lakh jobs would be given to selected persons by May next. The Union minister and the MP had a meeting with dignitaries of the confederation of Indian Industries.