The mining town of Margherita in Assam’s Tinsukia district witnessed a fresh wave of protests on Friday as members of the Purvattor Khaadan Mazdoor Sangha (PKMS) staged a dharna in front of the office of the General Manager of Northeast Coalfields (NEC), Coal India Ltd.
The protesters are demanding immediate action on long-pending grievances, ranging from wage revisions and job security to workplace safety in the collieries.
Their demonstration has brought attention to deep-rooted issues plaguing coal mining operations in the region.
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Protesters List Long-Standing Issues
The PKMS, one of the most prominent trade unions representing coal workers in Northeast India, accused the NEC management of ignoring repeated appeals for negotiations.
The union submitted a memorandum highlighting several key demands:
- Implementation of wage revisions under the National Coal Wage Agreement (NCWA-XI).
- Regularisation of contract workers and ensuring permanent employment.
- Immediate improvement of safety standards in mines.
- Better housing and medical facilities for workers and their families.
A union leader said:
“Our demands are not new. We have been raising these issues for years. Workers are losing patience because the management has failed to respond meaningfully.”
Workers Voice Growing Frustration
Many workers who participated in the dharna expressed frustration over stagnant wages and poor working conditions.
They allege that while coal production targets continue to rise, workers are not sharing in the benefits.
A miner who joined the protest said:
“We risk our lives daily underground. But our wages remain the same, and our families suffer without proper facilities.”
Others echoed similar concerns about health hazards faced by miners, inadequate medical services, and the lack of compensation for workplace accidents.
NEC Responds to Protest
Officials from Northeast Coalfields acknowledged the protest and confirmed receipt of the union’s memorandum.
A senior NEC official assured the media that management is reviewing the demands and will engage in talks with union representatives soon.
He said:
“We recognise the importance of our workforce. Discussions will be held to address genuine concerns.”
However, workers remain sceptical, pointing out that similar promises in the past have failed to bring lasting solutions.
Broader Impact on Coal Sector
The unrest at NEC Margherita reflects wider challenges in India’s coal sector, particularly in the northeast.
Despite the region’s rich coal reserves, operations have been marred by labour disputes, environmental concerns, and regulatory hurdles.
The coalfields around Margherita are significant contributors to Coal India’s overall output, making stability in this sector crucial for the region’s economy.
Industry experts warn that prolonged protests could impact coal production and disrupt supply chains to power plants and industries reliant on NEC coal.
Environmental Concerns Add to Tensions
Alongside labour issues, NEC’s operations have faced criticism from environmental groups over alleged violations related to mining in ecologically sensitive zones.
The coalfields in Margherita lie close to the Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, sometimes called the “Amazon of the East.”
Environmental activists argue that continued mining threatens biodiversity and local communities dependent on forest resources.
A local activist stated:
“While workers deserve fair wages, mining must not destroy our forests. Sustainable practices are essential.”
Call for Balanced Solutions
The PKMS has emphasised that they do not want production to halt but insist that workers’ rights cannot be ignored.
They have threatened to escalate protests if NEC management fails to engage in meaningful negotiations within a set timeframe.
Union leaders have urged the Assam government and Coal India Ltd. to intervene and ensure a fair resolution.
Future Steps Uncertain
As the dharna concluded on Friday, workers dispersed peacefully but warned they would return if demands are not addressed promptly.
Local residents and business owners in Margherita are watching the situation closely, aware that prolonged industrial unrest could affect the entire local economy.
For now, NEC faces the challenge of balancing operational targets with worker welfare and environmental sustainability.
The coming weeks will determine whether dialogue can resolve tensions or whether Assam’s coal sector is headed for deeper conflict.
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