BS reported that GMR Kamalanga Energy Ltd, which aims to commission the first unit of its 1,400 MW coal fired power plant in Odisha, by the end of December this year, is yet to give permanent employment to land losers of the project.

Mr Niranjan Pujari minister of Odisha industries said that "Permanent employment has not been given to the land losers by GMR Energy till date. The company's power plant at Kamalanga in Dhenkanal district is under construction and not started production yet. Land losers are being engaged through its agencies. GMR Kamalanga Energy has awarded construction contract to SEPCO China. Eighty persons from China are engaged at the project site through SEPCO."

Mr Pujari responded to a query from Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Mr Nabin Nanda's question where he sought clarification on allegations that GMR Energy is not giving due weightage to the local candidates among the land losers to give permanent employment. The affected villagers had also pointed out that the company is offering petty jobs through the contractor.

Government records show GMR Energy has employed 6,634 people in all including those in its pay roll and through the contractors, for its Odisha projects which includes 5,099 locals and 1,535 from outside the state.