Industry representatives and chambers of commerce have flayed Jharkhand chief minister Sibu Soren’s recent comments here that Tata Steel has done little for the development of the local populace.
According to them, such statements coming from a chief minister could have an adverse impact on the investment climate in Jharkhand.
The chief minister had at a public meeting here last Sunday attacked the present Tata Steel top management for their anti-local people stand and alleged that the steel major was not fulfilling its social obligations.
Seraikela Kharsawan District Chamber of Commerce & Industry president AK Srivastava said that although Tata Steel is doing great community & rural development work, much more can be achieved with regular and close interaction with the goverment.
In a letter written to the chief minister, Srivastava has said, “Statements made by you may be politically right, but coming from the chief minister of a newly created state, it may have the adverse effect of making investors feel shy about investing in Jharkhand.”
Tata Steel has been the first in the country to introduce not only an eight-hour workday but also several benefits like pension, medical, for its employees Srivastava said.
The Tatas have also been instrumental in supporting the Adityapur Industrial Area Development Authority (AIADA) which houses some 650 small & medium scale manufacturing industries.
SN Thakur, president, Adityapur Small Industries Association (ASIA) said the chief minister’s statements would discourage investors thinking of Jharkhand.
According to Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce & Industry vice-president (public relations & welfare) Suresh Sonthalia, “While chief ministers of other states have encouraging words for corporates investing in their states, statements from Soren against a respected company would surely send a wrong message to investors planning to invest more in Jharkhand.”