Educational institutions in Andhra Pradesh remained closed as student associations called for a bandh to protest against the privatization of Vizag Steel Plant. Student unions demanded the completion of Kadapa Steel Plant and expressed solidarity with protests by steel plant employees. Parents and school managements criticized the repeated bandh calls. Venu Lanka reported
In Vijayawada, educational institutions were closed on Wednesday due to a ‘bandh’ organized by student associations. The bandh was called in protest against the privatization of the Vizag Steel Plant. Various student unions, including the Student Federation of India, All India Students’ Federation, and Progressive Democratic Student Union, participated in the bandh and demanded the speedy completion of the Kadapa Steel Plant.
During the morning, student unions visited schools and colleges, requesting the managements to declare a holiday in support of the bandh. Students also staged demonstrations at different colleges, urging the central government to reconsider its decision to privatize the Vizag Steel Plant.
I Rajesh, the PDSU NTR district unit president, highlighted the importance of the Vizag Steel Plant for the state. He mentioned that many people had fought for and even sacrificed their lives to establish the steel plant in Vizag. However, the BJP-led Union government’s attempt to privatize it has sparked outrage. People who had given up their valuable lands for the construction of the steel plant are still fighting for justice. Today marked the 1000th day of protests by steel plant employees, and students from across the state showed their solidarity with them.
However, some parents and school managements expressed their frustration with the student unions for frequently calling for bandhs, disrupting educational activities.
This bandh comes at a time when concerns have been raised about India’s status as a net importer of steel. Tata Steel CEO T V Narendran expressed his worry over this and mentioned that the government has promised intervention if imports continue to rise. He also highlighted that international steel prices are affected by China’s influence. In another development, Tata Steel is seeking financial assistance from the Netherlands government to support its decarbonization plans, following a recent funding secured in the UK for the Port Talbot steel-making facility.
In a tragic incident, a 19-year-old engineering student in Hassan city died by suicide by jumping from the fifth floor of her college building. The motive behind the incident is currently unknown, and the police are investigating the case. The student’s parents blame the college administration for their daughter’s death.
Overall, the bandh in Vijayawada reflects the widespread concern and opposition to the privatization of the Vizag Steel Plant. Students and various student unions are actively participating in protests and demanding justice for those who sacrificed for the establishment of the steel plant. Meanwhile, the steel industry in India faces challenges regarding imports and is seeking support for decarbonization efforts. Tragic incidents like the engineering student’s suicide highlight the need for better support systems and mental health resources in educational institutions..