Buxar Thermal Power Project Construction Halted as Workers Protest Over Wage Issues
Construction activities at the 1320MW thermal power project in Chausa, Buxar, were severely disrupted on Friday after hundreds of workers gathered at the plant's main gate, raising slogans and effectively bringing work to a standstill. The workers, who have been on strike for the past three days, created a tense atmosphere at the project site, prompting a significant response from security forces.
Security Deployment and Tense Standoff
Security personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and local police were quickly deployed to the scene in an attempt to manage the situation and persuade the protesters to disperse from the main gate. During the protest, workers actively tried to prevent officials and other employees from entering the plant premises, declaring that they would neither resume work themselves nor allow others to work until their demands were properly addressed.
Labor Leaders Intervene with Calming Appeal
Later in the day, labor leaders Ram Pravesh Yadav and Pappu Pandey arrived at the site and appealed to the workers to maintain calm and order. Following their intervention, the workers eventually returned to their residential colonies. However, they issued a stern warning that the agitation would intensify significantly if their demands were not met soon.
Eleven-Point Memorandum and Unmet Promises
Yadav revealed that an 11-point memorandum had been submitted to the company management on February 20, demanding payment of wages according to board rates and the resolution of several critical labor-related issues. Although the management had previously assured timely payment and adherence to prescribed wage rates, workers allege that no concrete action has been taken to implement these assurances, leading to growing frustration.
Key Demands of the Striking Workers
The striking workers, who are primarily employed by various companies engaged in the construction of the project, have put forward several key demands:
- Implementation of a standard eight-hour workday
- Payment according to board rates and compliance with the Minimum Wages Act
- Proper payment of overtime wages
- Timely disbursement of salaries
- Enhanced workplace safety measures
- Proper deduction and management of Provident Fund (PF) and Employees' State Insurance (ESI) benefits
Impact on Bihar's Major Power Initiative
The thermal power project, which is being developed with two units of 660MW each, represents one of Bihar's most significant power generation initiatives. The project employs thousands of workers, and the ongoing strike has now directly affected construction activities, potentially delaying this crucial infrastructure development. The disruption highlights the broader challenges of labor management in large-scale industrial projects across the region.
