BIMS submits memorandum to CMD for ex-gratia
Primepost article on RINL condition helps PIL
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has responded to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL / Vizag Steel Plant), directing both the AP State Government and the Central Government to submit written statements regarding the allocation of iron ore mines to the plant across Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
The PIL was filed by J. Ayodhya Ramu, General Secretary of the Vizag Steel Employees Union, following widespread uproar among workers sparked by a media report titled “Will the RINL (Vizag Steel) remain in the public sector?” published by the PrimePost English news portal. The report highlighted the historic and emotional significance of RINL, emphasizing that the plant is rooted in the late 1960s regional movement led by the slogan “Visakha Ukku–Andhrula Hakku” (Vizag Steel is the Right of the Telugus), during which 32 people sacrificed their lives. For the region, RINL represents a symbol of political self-respect, regional pride, and a collective socio-economic legacy rather than a mere commercial asset.
During the hearing before a bench comprising Chief Justice Leesa Gill and Justice Challa Gunasekharan, notices were issued to the Central Government, AP State Government, the steel plant management, and the AP Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC). Legal counsel for the petitioners highlighted the plant’s operational distress and the severe plight of workers, including the non-payment of bonuses and ex-gratia on the grounds of financial losses. The petitioner argued that the lack of captive iron ore mines is the root cause of the plant’s financial hardship and that allocating raw material resources is essential as a matter of natural justice. In response, the Central Government raised objections regarding the maintainability and sanctity of the PIL, stating it would address these aspects in its counter-affidavit.
Union Demands 2026 Bonus Citing Record Production Despite NJCS Omission
In a parallel development, Bharatiya Ispat Mazdoor Sangh President K. Srinivas submitted a formal memorandum to the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of RINL, urging the immediate release of the 2026 annual bonus and ex-gratia payment to the workforce. Srinivas said that the union is expecting a positive decision from the government.
The union expressed strong disappointment that the bonus and ex-gratia issue for RINL employees was completely unaddressed during the recent meeting of the National Joint Committee for the Steel Industry (NJCS). Union representatives pointed out that despite financial headwinds, the workforce demonstrated high dedication, achieving a production output of 7.3 million tonnes. The union urged management to recognize the workers’ hard work and contributions by sanctioning their rightful financial incentives without further delay. BIMS is serious over the extending of ex-gratia to the RINL workers.
Principal Correspondent, Prime Post
CS Kulasekhar Reddy had thirty five years experience in journalism. He worked in Udayam and Andhra Bhoomi as reporter and sub-editor. He highlighted various social issues in Chitthoor, Ananthpur, Kadapa and Kurnool districts. He covered assembly sessions and Secretariat happenings.
Email: sangatiksr@gmail.com
Mobile: 9000400679
