Rourkela: The decision of Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) to extend health care assistance to people of Dharaharo in Uttar Pradesh which falls under Union minister of state for Steel Jeeten Prasad's constituency has evoked strong criticism from leading citizens of Rourkela and trade unions.
"The RSP should first take care of the poor neglected tribal district of Sundergarh in Orissa where thousands of people wer ewithout medical care," they said.
A 30-member medical team, including 12 doctors and para-medical staff, was sent to Uttar Pradesh by RSP to attend a mega health camp at Dharaharo.
The trade union leaders alleged that the RSP under the directive of its corporate office has dispatched the medical team spending about Rs 50 lakh from its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund.
A similar medical team was earlier sent to Hajipur in Bihar, which falls under Steel minister Ram Vilas Paswan's parliamentary constituency, they said.
Rourkela Intellecutual Forum (RIP) and members of the Rourkela Press Club have written to Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik seeking his intervention on the issue. They said when a large section of people were suffering during floods in the state this year, the RSP had not spent as much as it was spending now on medical camps in UP.
Bidyadhar Barik, working president of the Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) Orissa criticised the RSP for trying to please ministers by spending the CSR fund meant for Rourkela . RIF general secretary Rabi Kanungo said it was against the interest of the tribal people of Rourkela who had lost their home for the establishment of the steel plant here.
