PVUNL Faces Protest Threat Over Jobs for Displaced Families in Patratu

Displaced residents of four villages affected by the ash dyke project have threatened to intensify their agitation against Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (PVUNL), alleging that the company has failed to honour its employment commitment. The villagers have warned of a complete shutdown of PVUNL operations before Diwali if their demands are not addressed.

The decision was taken at a weekly meeting held on Sunday at the Sonar Pokhar premises in Jayanagar. The villagers said the management had agreed to provide jobs to 120 youths from the affected villages by Durga Puja, but only a fraction of the promised employment has been provided so far.

The meeting was chaired by Vijay Munda, head of Babukudra panchayat, and conducted by Lalu Mahto. Representatives of displaced families, local youths and other residents from Babukudra, Gogda, Rasda and Jayanagar participated in the discussion.

According to the displaced representatives, a bilateral meeting with PVUNL management on August 6, 2026, had resulted in an agreement to provide employment to 30 youths from each of the four villages, taking the total to 120, by Durga Puja.

However, the villagers alleged that only around 20 to 25 youths from all four villages combined had secured employment so far. They said the delay had deepened resentment among displaced families, particularly among young people who had been waiting for job opportunities under the agreement.

Speakers at the meeting expressed dissatisfaction with the management's response, arguing that the employment assurance had raised expectations among affected families. They urged PVUNL to fulfil its commitment and provide jobs to all eligible displaced youths in accordance with the earlier understanding.

With the festive season underway, the villagers said they were unwilling to wait indefinitely for the promised opportunities. The meeting unanimously decided to launch a complete shutdown before Diwali if the management failed to take timely action.

The residents also said PVUNL management would be held responsible for any industrial disruption or law-and-order situation arising from the proposed shutdown.

The proposed agitation signals growing tensions between the power company and communities affected by the ash dyke project. The immediate focus remains on whether the management will take concrete steps to address the employment demand and prevent an escalation of the dispute.