The Kalinganagar Industrial Complex has been in the headlines for a long time but unfortunately, its due credit has been shadowed by selfish activism of groups with vested interests. It has been portrayed as the hot seat of land acquisition controversies when it should have been hailed as the main route to Orissa’s economic resurgence. There are several incorrect perceptions about Kalinganagar that have mainly generated from false reports and are far from the actual truth. Discussed below are a few relevant facts that give the right perspective to the succession of events at the place.

• The land for the Kalinganagar Industrial Complex was acquired long time back in 1994-1996 and almost hundred percent of landowners had taken compensation for their land at that time. Included among them are people who now claim to be protectors of tribal interest opposing industrialisation and technological progress.
  
  
• After the initial disputes faced during the displacement process for Nilachal Ispat Nigam Ltd. the Government of Orissa formulated a Resettlement & Rehabilitation Policy to especially cater to the project affected families at Kalinganagar. It has a strong focus on the practical means of implementation and therefore is a dynamic instrument to promote sustainable development in the State.
  
  
• A Company like Tata Steel, with its strong focus on Corporate Social Responsibility has moved much beyond stipulated norms to ensure complete well being for the displaced people. Its specific R&R programme is built around the concept of ‘Tata Steel Paribar’ wherein every person affected by its greenfield steel project in Kalinganagar is considered a member of the Tata family. Comprehensive R&R initiatives have been implemented to look after every need of relocated families in the rehabilitation colonies and transit camps. Most of the displaced families have been happy to take plots in the rehabilitation colony, as it provides them access to better quality of life and more employment opportunities. The Company has been inviting independent social agencies to audit the implementation programme taken up by its Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R) department.
  
  
• A POSCO release has committed that there will be no forcible acquisition of private land for the project. Displaced families will be provided with a three-room house with a toilet and all resettlement process will be completed before land acquisition. The Company has also agreed that the plant construction will engage local labour with preference given to members from the three gram panchyats involved. In all cases of employment Government rules and Employment Exchange recommendations will be given priority. But the Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samiti, which has been vehemently opposing the project has even denied having negotiations.
  
  
• It is a fact that people who are willing to relocate to rehabilitation colonies are being terrorised by groups that want to continue the agitation by using the local people as tools. The Panchayati Raj Institution members of Sukinda and Dhangadi blocks in Jajpur have vehemently protested against these activists in a public statement and condemned them for blocking development work.
  
  
• It is a fact that the youth of Kalinganagar are especially in favour of industrial development, as it would open up more employment avenues for them, directly with the industries coming up or with ancillaries. They do not want to limit themselves to agriculture any more. Tata Steel’s R&R programme incorporates training programmes for several skill sets including those that are farm based or technical. In addition many young men also want to avail the opportunities that encourage their entrepreneurship potential.
  
  
• A few facts about Bistapana Birodhi Jan Manch (BBJM)
  
  
  • BBJM members have carried on atrocities on the rural tribal population for a long time and their leaders have also plundered the displaced families.
    
    
  • The BBJM has active support from extreme left wing parties in the Kalinganagar issue as has been proved by the confession of many leaders.
    
    
  • Bistapana Birodhi Jan Manch leaders have proven business deals with local industries. Their extravagant lifestyle is proof of the kind of fortune they have personally amassed.
    
    
  • The Cuttack High Court has passed serious orders against the miscreants and their supporters.
  
  
• The Honourable High Court of Orissa passed a historic judgment against the BBJM leaders and their supporters and directed action against them because of their barbaric acts on Sanjay Soy and Parbati Rana. But the lack of respect of BBJM towards the order of Cuttack High court shows their malicious intent. The Mancha has even gone to the extent of giving statements against the judiciary system of the State and Country.


• Banned organisations like Chasi Mulia Sangha, Sangrami Mahila Manch and others, apart from denouncing any form of established government in Kalinganagar, have also gone to the extent of showing their audacity by threatening the Honourable High Court of dire consequences. It should also be remembered that there were more than 70 crimes registered against the BBJM activists


• Troubled by the heinous acts of BBJM, a huge rally of 5000 people from 30 villages of Sukinda and Dhangadi was organised against the Birodhi Mancha on 13th October 2009. The agitators called upon the immediate arrest of the BBJM leaders and to free the area of Chandia and Gobarghati village from the brutal occupation of BBJM.


• Around 30 Sarpanches and Samiti members of Sukinda and Dhangadi blocks of Kalinganagar in a petition to the district administration have demanded for stern and immediate action against the Birodhi Mancha leaders and their supporters. This is the second such petition against the Mancha. This proves the amount of terror that the mancha supporters have generated among the common people. Along with this, they have also submitted their written protest against the criminal activities carried out by the Birodhi Mancha.


• Kalinganagar Industrial Complex, which is going to produce around 18 million tons of steel over next few years, houses big industrial names like Tata Steel, Jindals Strips, MESCO, NINL etc. The results of panchayat elections in Sukinda and Dhanagadi blocks is a clear indication of the fact that the tribal people do not approve the road blockade and the atrocities of the Bistapan Birodhi Manch whatsoever. Out of six Zilla Parishad seats in Sukinda and Dhanagadi, the ruling BJD has won all of them. Even in Jajpur district, the ruling BJD has won 28 Zilla Parishad seats out of the total 39 seats. The local tribals of Kalinganagar, through their votes, have showed that they are not ready to bear any more losses and want industrialisation to prosper in the area.