Team Herald
BICHOLIM: Vedanta Limited, already facing resistance from Pilgao farmers over iron ore transportation, is now under fire for conducting a recruitment drive outside the State for its Amona plant. Walk-in interviews for various posts are scheduled in Hospet, Karnataka, on Sunday, November 24.
Former Sankhali chairperson Rajesh Sawal and Nilkanth Gawas criticised Vedanta-Sesa Goa on Saturday, demanding the government intervene to halt the recruitment drive. Sawal alleged that the coke plant at Amona, established by the erstwhile Sesa Goa Limited over 40 years ago, had initially promised employment to locals. However, after offering a few jobs initially, the company has allegedly failed to provide further opportunities to residents.
Sawal urged the local panchayat and government authorities to cancel the scheduled interviews, stating that villagers had allowed the plant’s establishment expecting jobs. Instead, they now face dust pollution and unfulfilled promises of local employment.
They also cited precedents, recalling how two Goa-based pharmaceutical companies had cancelled their out-of-state interviews after government intervention. Sawal insisted the government should ensure interviews are conducted locally to prioritise jobs for Goans.
Vedanta-Sesa Goa, distancing itself from the controversy, clarified that the recruitment advertisement was issued by a third-party contractor and does not reflect the company's hiring practices. “We are actively engaging with the contractor to address this matter,” Vedanta stated.