Over hundred executives of Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) “switched off light” at their homes to register their protest against the government’s decision of disinvestment in Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) here on Tuesday evening. The proposed disinvestment is being widely opposed by members of Bokaro Officers Steel Association (BOSA) after a call given by associations like Steel Executive Federation of India (SEFI) and National Confederation of Officer’s Association (NCOA).

BSL officers expressed grave concern over disinvestment issue. A K Singh, president, BOSA said, “This is our symbolic protest against disinvestment and privatisation of Steel PSUs. Government has announced ‘disinvestment of non-core sectors PSUs’ which is not acceptable.”. To make get heard around 1900 executives working in BSL, chose to switch off the light in their homes between 7 pm to 7.15 pm. Their family members also participated in the protest.

BSL is a unit of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). Executives in PSU’s are worried that the government would privatise SAIL in the future just like it has been done with Vizag Steel. Singh said that they will keep protesting till the government understands the sentiments and demands of PSU employees. Fighting against all odds of the prevailing pandemic, BSL executives exhibited exemplary courage to achieve the target set by the company.

BOSA president said, “Disinvestment can’t be a good solution. Employment should also be taken care of by the central government.” SEFI council also had a virtual meeting with the members and expressed grave concern over the disinvestment of steel PSUs.

The executive fraternities of steel PSU feel that the unnecessary proposals of disinvestment will definitely hamper the economy to a great extent. The entire nation is shocked with the government’ decision of retaining a bare minimum PSUs belonging to strategic sector, while others being sold off or shutdown, maintained many.