Guwahati: An operational crisis has emerged at the Food Corporation of India (FCI) Food Storage Depot at Bindukuri in Sonitpur District after a dispute between a contractor firm and local labour groups halted the unloading of essential foodgrains. According to reports, Purbanchal Banijya Vikash, the contractor responsible for transport operations, has alleged that local labour leaders—Bipul Nayak, Dilu Nag, Sujit Rai and Om Prakash Rai—have been obstructing the unloading work despite receiving advance payments.
The firm claimed that a rake of 42 wagons carrying foodgrains meant for defence forces has remained stranded at the Bindukuri railway siding since March 2, resulting in mounting daily demurrage charges. The dispute reportedly centres on statutory contributions related to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation and the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation. While the contractor stated that ₹2.4 lakh was transferred as advance on February 28 and another ₹8.05 lakh on March 2, labour groups allegedly demanded that EPFO and ESIC payments be made directly to them in cash. The firm said such payments must legally be deposited through government portals.
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Attempts to bring in about 70 alternative labourers from Biswanath Chariali and Bihar reportedly failed after local groups blocked the depot entrance, while police cited law and order concerns during the ongoing election period. The contractor has sought urgent intervention from authorities, warning that the stalemate could disrupt the regional food supply chain and lead to significant financial losses.
