The management of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), has invited private firms to take over the operation and maintenance of 44 units in phases, including 34 critical ones. The bids are scheduled to be opened on September 10.
The decision has triggered sharp opposition from employees, unions and political parties, who have come together under the banner of the Visakha Ukku Parirakshana Porata Committee (VUPPC). They allege that outsourcing is a deliberate step toward privatisation of India’s first and largest shore-based public sector steel plant.
