Raipur: A day before one-day nationwide general strike, gate meetings were held in coal mines of Korba district on Wednesday. During this, workers of Dhelwadih, Singhali and Bagdewa mine areas raised slogans depicting that the strike will be made successful in any case.

As many as 4 trade unions have given notice to Coal India for one day nationwide strike on Thursday. A three-day work strike was also held during the lockdown in the coal industry in protest against commercial mining. However, it had more impact on the first day itself. After which the strike did not have much impact on the production in the next two days. Due to which other companies including SECL were also relieved.

SECL mines are operating in 13 areas in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Through these, SECL is producing 155 million tonnes of coal. 50 percent of the production is being received from the mines in Korba district alone. Through this, the government is receiving mineral revenue of thousands of crore. The government did not back down from the issues that were brought up during the last strike. Coal blocks were allocated strategically clearing the way for commercial mining. Raising the issue in this regard, the trade unions have called for a strike on Thursday.

Apart from the coal mine trade union affiliated to the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, four other unions are carrying out this strike. They have communicated this subject to workers in various units. This time it has been clarified that the personnel who want to do duty will not be stopped in any way. The SECD CMD has categorically stated that the strike is illegal and has no justification.

SECL HOD Personnel Anlesh Saxena said that the policy is fixed in case of workers going on strike. Those who participate in this strike will be considered in the category of ‘No Work No Payment’. It is completely clear. The SECL company has conveyed this to all concerned.