Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Trade Unions Oppose CISF Withdrawal From Visakhapatnam Steel Plant
Trade unions held a protest near the GVMC Gandhi statue in Visakhapatnam.
They opposed plans to gradually remove the Central Industrial Security Force from the steel plant.
The unions said CISF has protected the plant, its equipment and its workers for about 40 years.
They worry that removing this security could make the plant weaker.
They also said the changes might help prepare the plant for private ownership.
The unions want the government to provide Rs 8,000 crore for repairs and modernisation.
They also want more workers so the plant can return to full production.
They said government support is needed to protect jobs and improve the plant.
Trade unions and the Visakha Ukku Parirakshana Porata Committee protested against proposals to withdraw the CISF from the steel plant.
Union leaders said CISF has protected the plant’s property, machinery and workforce for four decades.
The protesters questioned the motive behind phasing out the existing security system through administrative orders.
They alleged that weakening the plant’s security and operations could facilitate its eventual handover to private players.
The unions demanded the immediate release of Rs 8,000 crore for machinery repairs and modernisation, along with more workers.
- Who
- The Visakha Ukku Parirakshana Porata Committee and all-party trade unions, including leaders C H Narasinga Rao, D Adinarayana and Mantri Rajasekhar.
- What
- They staged a dharna opposing proposals to completely withdraw the Central Industrial Security Force from the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
- When
- Sunday.
- Where
- Near the GVMC Gandhi statue in Visakhapatnam.
- Why
- They cited safety, operational and employment concerns and demanded government funding for repairs, modernisation and increased staffing.
Trade Unions’ Position
Proposed Administrative Change
CISF withdrawal
Trade Unions’ Position
The unions say phasing out CISF would weaken the plant’s established security and operational systems and raise safety concerns.
Proposed Administrative Change
The article reports proposals to completely withdraw CISF through administrative orders but does not state the authorities’ reasons or detailed position.
Future of the plant
Trade Unions’ Position
The unions allege that weakening security and operations could facilitate the plant’s eventual handover to private players.
Proposed Administrative Change
No response from the government or private parties to this allegation is provided in the article.
Plant revival
Trade Unions’ Position
The unions demand Rs 8,000 crore for urgent repairs and modernisation, as well as more workers to restore full-scale production and protect livelihoods.
Proposed Administrative Change
The article does not provide an opposing position on the funding or staffing demands.
- Protesting groups
- Visakha Ukku Parirakshana Porata Committee and all-party trade unions
- Main issue
- Proposals to withdraw the Central Industrial Security Force from the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant
- CISF role
- Protection of the plant’s property, machinery and workforce
- CISF service period
- About four decades
- Funding demanded
- Rs 8,000 crore for machinery repairs and modernisation
- Additional demand
- An increase in the plant’s workforce