Dibrugarh: Employees of the Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Ltd (BVFCL) have expressed deep concern over the future of the corporation as a new 12-lakh MT fertiliser plant is coming up on the same premises at Namrup in Assam’s Dibrugarh district. Workers allege that while the government publicly speaks of expansion through the Namrup-IV project, it is simultaneously working toward shutting down or disinvesting BVFCL.
“The government is speaking in two voices. On one hand, there are assurances about Namrup-IV, and on the other, documents for closure are being prepared,” alleged Tileswar Bora, president of the Namrup Fertiliser Protection United Forum, citing a November 13 letter from the Department of Fertilisers referring to preparations for Cabinet-level approval for closure or disinvestment of listed CPSEs.
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BVFCL CMD Mohan Raj Shetty, however, stated that “positive results” are expected this year, citing improved quarterly performances and emphasising hopes for a favourable outcome. BVFCL, recommended for closure on August 12, 2022, remains the only operating urea manufacturing unit in the Northeast through its third plant.
Employees fear the corporation may be weakened deliberately, pointing to the freezing of recruitment for management trainees and technical posts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to lay the foundation stone of the new unit—Assam Valley Fertilizer and Chemical Company Ltd (AVFCCL)—in December.
“We appeal for urgent intervention to save BVFCL before it’s too late,” Bora said.
