Visakhapatnam: Jatothu Hussain, Member of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), visited the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and interacted with key officials and representatives to discuss and review the welfare measures for SC&ST employees. The meeting took place at Nagarjuna, the Centre for HRD at the steel plant, on July 20, 2024.
During his visit, Hussain appreciated the sustained efforts of the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) management in working towards the welfare of its SC&ST employees. He interacted with Sri Atul Bhatt, CMD, RINL, as well as directors, CGMs, and other senior officials. The discussions highlighted RINL’s commitment to adhering to Presidential directives for the welfare of SC&ST communities within the company and in surrounding areas.
Hussain also met with representatives of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant’s SC&ST Employees’ Welfare Association, where he discussed their concerns and received a memorandum outlining their issues. Senior officials provided Hussain with a comprehensive explanation of the steel-making process at the Visitor’s Gallery located in the Executive Director (Works) building, followed by a tour of important production units at the steel plant.
Expressing satisfaction, Hussain praised the cleanliness, greenery, and technological advancements of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
Atul Bhatt, CMD, RINL, emphasized that RINL benefits immensely from the guidance provided by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. He informed Hussain about RINL’s initiatives, such as organizing awareness programs for SC&ST employees, medical camps, and eye screening camps in tribal villages of the Visakhapatnam District, including Araku. RINL has significantly contributed to the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes, particularly in health, education, drinking water sanitation, environment, sports, and rural development.
RINL also conducts various awareness programs for SC&ST employees on subjects like the Constitution of India and women’s healthcare. Additionally, RINL offers free coaching for SC&ST candidates for recruitment of management and junior trainees, along with computer training programs for the children of SC&ST employees. A notable CSR initiative, ‘Jaladhara,’ has provided gravity-based drinking water supply to 35 tribal villages, benefiting nearly 10,440 tribal people, and installed RO water plants in surrounding villages of the mines.
An exclusive SC&ST Cell has been established at RINL with a Liaison Officer of the rank of Deputy General Manager to monitor reservation in recruitment and promotions as per Presidential directives. RINL also established the ‘Dr. BR Ambedkar Merit Recognition’ program to support SC&ST employees’ children pursuing professional courses.