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Protests Erupt Over Mass Layoffs of Contract Workers in Odisha
The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) is raising its voice against the mass layoffs impacting thousands of contractual workers employed by private power distribution firms in Odisha, a state governed by the BJP. In a letter urging the chief minister to take immediate action, BMS officials expressed their frustration over failed discussions with Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who oversees the power sector. The organization is now calling for a high-level tripartite meeting led by the chief minister to halt what they describe as 'illegal retrenchments.'
The letter emphasizes the dire industrial climate in Odisha, citing the abrupt layoffs of over 15,000 contract workers across vital public utilities and industries. Previous negotiations on May 24 with the Deputy Chief Minister did not yield satisfactory results, prompting BMS to warn of escalating unrest among workers that requires urgent intervention from the chief minister.
BMS has demanded an immediate cessation of the layoffs, urging the reinstatement of all affected workers. In their statement, they declared,
“We demand an immediate halt to the ongoing mass retrenchments being executed under the guise of cost-cutting by the four power distribution companies operated under Tata Power in Odisha. All contract, temporary, and outsourced workers who have been arbitrarily removed must be reinstated immediately with full back wages and continuity of service.”
Furthermore, the organization is advocating for the establishment of an "Odisha outsourcing model" to ensure job security and fair service conditions for all workers. They argue that the layoffs are devastating the socio-economic fabric of many families, leaving dedicated workers suddenly without livelihoods. The displacement threatens local communities with severe financial hardships and mental trauma, undermining the state’s goals of sustainable employment and reversing migration.
BMS also highlighted the potential long-term consequences of losing experienced technical staff, warning that diminished maintenance capabilities could lead to increased power outages. This would have serious implications for the general public, agriculture, and small industries, especially during critical peak seasons.
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