VISP employees worried as SAIL decides to close the unit in Bhadravati

Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant (VISP) at Bhadravati was started in 1918 by the ruler of the princely state of Mysuru, and was the pride of Karnataka. The plant was merged with Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) in December 1998

The saga of 105-year-old Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant (VISP) at Bhadravati, a unit of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), may be coming to an end. Its employees claim that the board of SAIL has taken a decision to close the unit, which was once the pride of Bhadravati in Shivamogga district of Karnataka. As a result, its 211 permanent employees and 1,340 workers on contract basis are a worried lot.

Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar of the Mysuru princely state had set up the unit in 1918, as per the advice of M. Visvesvaraya, who was the dewan of the kingdom.

For more than 10 years, the employees have met several elected representatives and ministers, and staged protests, requesting revival of the unit. The SAIL board took the decision to close the unit on January 16, when employees were preparing for the 105 th founder’s day, which was celebrated on January 18.

“We got information about the board decision on January 18 from senior executive officers in the plant. Later, a delegation of workers visited Delhi and spoke to Krishna Kumar Singh, Director (Personnel). He confirmed the decision of the board,” said J. Jagadish, president of the VISL Workers’ Association, on January 20.

The board’s decision has been referred to the Union Government, which is expected to make the official announcement in a few days.

“We were told that the official closure can take a few months. Meanwhile, we have requested the SAIL to retain 211 permanent employees and transfer us to other units of the SAIL,” said Mr. Jagadish.

SAIL officials are believed to have assured the delegation that they would consider their request for transfer to other units. Those who prefer to leave would get other offers, like VRS.