PDF youth unhappy about MSEZ’s employment solution

PDF youth unhappy about MSEZ’s employment solution

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Feb 3: The youth of the families that lost their property to Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) or Project Displaced Families (PDFs) are unhappy about the solution placed before them by ISN Prasad, the principal secretary. This 20-point proposal was drafted by Mr. Prasad after consulting with OMPL, ONGC, MSEZ, and MRPL bigwigs.

According to this solution, the youth will get allowance similar to unemployment allowance till jobs are provided for them; but the youth are demanding that they should be given jobs only in Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemical Ltd. (MRPL).

Bhujanga Shetty, the president of the Bajpe Kalavaru and Permude Samyukta Hitarakshana Samithi, informed reporters that the members of the vedike as well as the displaced youth have rejected the proposal.  

Besides the above mentioned sustainable allowance till they get jobs, the proposal suggests forming a trust governed by MSEZ officials and PDF members, ex-gratia payment to PDFs, jobs in other units, educational allowance, and so on.

Shetty said that, since the proposal is unacceptable to the PDF youth, they intend to discuss the issue with MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, District-in-charge Minister Krishna Palemar, and other MLAs of the region and draft a solution, which will be send to Mr. Prasad for consideration. Mr. Prasad will then be requested to obtain the opinions of those concerned within a specified time frame.

A week back, a couple of PDF youths Lokesh and Kumar, attempted to immolate themselves in the course of an intense protest staged by the PDF against MSEZ.