The Assam Rising, Duliajan, July 21: The Dibrugarh District Committee of the All Tai Ahom Students’ Union (ATASU) has accused Oil India Limited (OIL) of failing to fulfil its social and developmental responsibilities towards Duliajan despite earning substantial revenue from the region’s oil and natural gas resources for decades.
In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Resident Executive of OIL, the organisation alleged that although Duliajan houses the company’s headquarters, administrative offices, hundreds of oil wells, and several Oil Collecting Stations (OCSs) and Gas Collecting Stations (GCSs), the town continues to lag behind in basic civic infrastructure and public amenities.
ATASU claimed that the condition of roads, drainage systems, street lighting and public infrastructure in and around Duliajan reflects years of neglect. The organisation further alleged that OIL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives have failed to adequately address the needs of neighbouring villages, particularly in the areas of education, employment generation, women’s empowerment, rural infrastructure, sanitation and livelihood development.
The student body also alleged that several memoranda submitted in the past had resulted only in assurances, while commitments made by the company remained largely unfulfilled. According to ATASU, repeated assurances without visible action have led to growing frustration among local residents.
The memorandum contains a 12-point charter of demands, including infrastructure upgrades for educational institutions, construction of roads and bridges, improvement of drainage and street lighting, priority employment and skill training for local youth, coaching facilities for competitive examinations, development of sports infrastructure, promotion of heritage tourism, support for farmers in oil-producing areas, and modernisation of the Duliajan Market.
ATASU asserted that a public sector enterprise of OIL’s stature should play a leading role in improving the quality of life in its operational areas rather than limiting its contribution to resource extraction. The organisation urged the company to initiate meaningful dialogue and implement the demands within one week, warning that failure to do so could compel it to intensify its democratic agitation.
Oil India Limited had not issued an official response to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
