Protest intensifies at Bokaro Steel Plant, 106 displaced youth on hunger strike; two gates closed

October 15, 2026

Bokaro (Jharkhand): The protest by trained youth from displaced families affected by the Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) intensified on Thursday, demanding permanent jobs and a clear recruitment policy. The protesters closed gates 9 and 10 of the plant indefinitely. They warned that if their demands are not met soon, they may also close other entrances to the plant. They also threatened to halt production if necessary.

Under the banner of the Displaced Youth Struggle Front, 106 youth have been on an indefinite hunger strike for the past six days at the Two-Tank Garden near the plant premises. They say that the trained youth, who have been waiting for jobs for a long time, have not yet found permanent employment.

Demand for permanent employment for 1,500 trained youth

The protesters’ key demands include providing regular employment to 1,500 trained apprentices from displaced families, restoring the previous reservation system for Class IV jobs, and formulating a clear employment policy for displaced families.

Morthak President Arun Kumar Mahato alleged that the BSL management is not taking their demands seriously. He said that the displaced families had donated their land for the establishment of the steel plant, but even today their dependents are struggling for employment.

Mahato warned that if the management does not take concrete steps soon, the agitation will be intensified and attempts will be made to stop the plant’s operations.

Assurances for a year and a half, but no appointments: Protesters

Protest leader Sunil Kumar said that the youth have been receiving assurances regarding employment for the past year and a half, but no concrete results have been achieved.

He said that youth who have completed their training are waiting for jobs, but instead of permanent employment, they are being asked to work on contract. The protesters have demanded that a clear timeline be set for the permanent employment of trained youth from displaced families.

Fears of Impact on Plant Production and Safety

As the agitation intensifies, BSL’s security department has informed the administration of the current situation through a letter. The letter expresses fears that the protests could impact the plant’s production and industrial safety.

Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact on the functioning of various units, from the plant’s coke oven unit to the CRM.

In view of the situation, the administration has deployed magistrates in three shifts around the Two-Tank Garden. After some of the youth participating in the hunger strike became unwell, they were taken to Sadar Hospital for treatment.

A standoff continues between the protesters and the management. Youth want permanent jobs and a clear employment policy, while concerns are growing about the potential impact on the plant’s production and safety if the movement escalates.