Seven-Day Hunger Strike Fuels Demand for Permanent Jobs for Displaced Apprentices

A week into an indefinite hunger strike, displaced families at the Bokaro Steel Plant are pressing harder for permanent jobs for apprentices who completed training at the facility. The protestors left the main gate open as a symbolic gesture but sealed all other access points, turning the plant into a quasi‑closed zone.

The hunger strike began after the death of community member Prem Mehto, which triggered a three‑party meeting that reportedly agreed on a placement roadmap. Despite the accord, no recruitment orders have been issued for more than a year.

Families argue that they contributed land for the plant’s establishment and that their youth finished apprenticeship programs, yet the promised regularisation remains absent. They are now demanding a transparent recruitment process, defined eligibility criteria, and a timeline for appointments to fourth‑grade positions.

Health concerns also emerged as several protestors required medical attention and were taken to the district hospital. Nevertheless, the strike shows no sign of ending until their employment demands are met.