Politicians turn blind eye to Tirtol spinning mill

JAGATSINGHPUR: The Sarala spinning mill in Tirtol assembly segment was once a hub of activities and the sign of prosperity of the region.
Established by senior Congress leader and former minister Basant Biswal in 1985, it provided employment to 1,600 persons. But during the super cyclone in 1999, the mill was badly damaged and declared closed. Since then, the constituency has seen many assembly and panchayat elections but revival of the mill has never been a poll issue.
The mill not only provided livelihood to thousands but also contributed a lot in strengthening the economy of the area. "South Korean steel company, Posco has become the hottest topic of discussion in the district. No one is bothered about the plight of Sarala spinning mill, which provided employment to so many people. None of the candidates are talking about revival of the mill," said Tushar Das, a native of Tirtol.
Locals cited that after closure of the spinning mill, workers were forced to work as construction and farm labourers and some even migrated to other states. "The closure of spinning mill brought lot of miseries to the local people. Families of 1,600 workers have been suffering for the last 15 years. Still, the issue has not grabbed the attention of the candidates," said Surya Prasad Parija, who worked as supervisor in the mill.
"Unemployment is a major problem of our region. Revival of the spinning mill would help in resolving the problem to a large extent," added Parija.
Even the candidates have also agreed that they have turned a blind eye to the issue. "It's true that I have not made it my campaign issue but if I will definitely try to revive the mill," said Rajkishore Behera, the Congress candidate of Tirtol assembly constituency.
"I am aware of the issue and would take concrete steps is elected," said Rajashree Mallick, the BJD nominee.