Bhubaneswar, March 30, 2010
Most of UAC’s 29 – Point Charter of Demands Fulfilled
Recent talks between POSCO-India officials and members of the community of the plant site in Jagatsinghpur have met with success. The Company has been holding extensive talks with the representatives of the pressures groups – POSCO Pratirodh Sangram Samiti and United Action Committee. The talks have revealed that there is agreement now between POSCO-India and the various groups on most points related to compensation, displacement and employment.

The talks, held over the past few months at Paradeep, Kujanga, Jagatsinghpur and Bhubaneswar, have brought forth the Company’s commitment that there will be no forcible acquisition of private land. Displaced families will be provided with a 3 room Pucca house with latrine. The Company has also agreed that displaced families will be first resettled before their land is acquired.

The Company has also agreed that labour engaged in the plant construction will be from local area and preference will be given to members from the 3 GPs for employment, provided they meet merit norms. In all employment cases, Govt. rules and Employment Exchange recommendation will be given priority.

There will be a big boost to local area people in every activity the Company undertakes in the plant area. While it will not create conditions for further displacement, the Company is also committed to building medical facilities of the highest standards for the area. Fisher-folk of the area will be given boats and nets and their livelihood will be assured.

There now appears to be considerable interest amongst the people of the area in the project. Many feel that it has dragged on for very long and work should begin at the earliest. They are happy that progress has been made in POSCO’s talks with bodies like POSCO Pratirodh Sangram Samiti and United Action Committee.