The controversy surrounding the Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd (BALCO) in Korba, Chhattisgarh, has raised significant concerns about the effectiveness of India’s democratic processes. Despite a 49% stake held by the Indian government, the company’s management practices and financial transparency remain under scrutiny.
Rajya Sabha MP Sushri Saroj Pandey (Chhattisgarh) first raised the issue of BALCO’s profit-sharing with the Indian government under Question No. 2522. Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri Pralhad Joshi, responded under Question No. 2523, noting a significant increase in the company’s profits during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, questions about BALCO’s management persisted.
On August 3, 2022, Sushri Pandey brought the matter up again during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, with support from several MPs:
- – Mrs. Phulo Devi Netam (Chhattisgarh)
- Dr. Amar Patnaik (Odisha)
- Dr. Fauzia Khan (Maharashtra)
- Dr. Santanu Sen (West Bengal)
- Shri Sanjay Singh (Delhi)
- Shri Abir Ranjan Biswas (West Bengal)
- Dr. Sasmit Patra (Odisha)
Sushri Pandey demanded a thorough investigation and appropriate action regarding the alleged irregularities in BALCO’s operations. She highlighted issues such as unfair treatment of local people, questionable land allocations, and misleading CSR reports.
“Through you, Sir, I want to draw the government’s attention to Bharat Aluminium Company in Korba, Chhattisgarh. BALCO is one of the most important companies in India and among the largest producers. In 2000, under India’s disinvestment policy, Sterlite Company was sold a 51% stake in BALCO. Today, its stake remains 51%. When this 51% stake was acquired, BALCO’s production was one lakh tons. Despite the production increasing to five lakh tons, this company is still treating the local people unfairly. When the company expanded, the land acquisition for this expansion became a subject of litigation in the Supreme Court. They misled the local administration for land allocation. I urge the government to investigate this allocation as the permissions granted by the local administration were obtained illegally, and the local people have not benefited. Therefore, this company should be investigated.”
Additional points raised by Sushri Pandey include:
1. Training provided to local people under ITI does not lead to permanent jobs.
2. BALCO outsources daily operations to private contractors.
3. CSR activities are inaccurately reported as losses despite increased production.
- The involvement of eight Rajya Sabha MPs, representing nearly fifty million people, underscores the issue’s significance.
The persistent lack of clear answers and decisive action undermines public confidence in the system. It is imperative for India’s democratic framework to address these issues effectively, ensuring accountability and justice, and reinforcing the nation’s commitment to principled governance.
