Protest Erupts Over ONGC’s Contract Practices in Assam
OIL & GAS

Protest Erupts Over ONGC’s Contract Practices in Assam

Four prominent organizations staged a two-hour sit-in outside the co-district commissioner’s office in Nazira, challenging the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) contract allocation practices. The protestors alleged systemic exclusion of local educated youth from small-scale contract opportunities in the region’s oil fields.

Call for Local Participation Led by the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad, All Tai Ahom Students' Union, All Assam Tea Tribes Students' Union, and Veer Lachit Sena, Asom, the protest targeted the ONGC Assam Asset’s contracting policies in the Geleki oil fields.

“We are not against major contracts going to established firms, but the subletting of smaller works to non-local contractors is unacceptable. Our youth have the expertise and deserve these opportunities,” said Partha Pratim Gogoi, general secretary of the All Tai Ahom Students' Union in Sivasagar district.

Trigger for the Protest The demonstration was sparked by ONGC’s recent Rs 1.7 billion production enhancement contract awarded to Ahmedabad-based Cross Country Contractors Pvt Ltd for boosting output in Geleki’s ageing fields. While acknowledging the company's right to the main contract, protestors condemned its practice of outsourcing smaller jobs to non-local firms.

“This marginalizes local talent. We have qualified youth who are overlooked for employment that could greatly benefit our community,” Gogoi added.

Ultimatum to ONGC The organizations submitted a memorandum to Co-District Commissioner Kanika Rathee, demanding an inclusive contracting policy that prioritizes local communities. They have warned of halting all oil exploration activities in Geleki if their concerns remain unresolved by December 16.

Four prominent organizations staged a two-hour sit-in outside the co-district commissioner’s office in Nazira, challenging the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) contract allocation practices. The protestors alleged systemic exclusion of local educated youth from small-scale contract opportunities in the region’s oil fields. Call for Local Participation Led by the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad, All Tai Ahom Students' Union, All Assam Tea Tribes Students' Union, and Veer Lachit Sena, Asom, the protest targeted the ONGC Assam Asset’s contracting policies in the Geleki oil fields. “We are not against major contracts going to established firms, but the subletting of smaller works to non-local contractors is unacceptable. Our youth have the expertise and deserve these opportunities,” said Partha Pratim Gogoi, general secretary of the All Tai Ahom Students' Union in Sivasagar district. Trigger for the Protest The demonstration was sparked by ONGC’s recent Rs 1.7 billion production enhancement contract awarded to Ahmedabad-based Cross Country Contractors Pvt Ltd for boosting output in Geleki’s ageing fields. While acknowledging the company's right to the main contract, protestors condemned its practice of outsourcing smaller jobs to non-local firms. “This marginalizes local talent. We have qualified youth who are overlooked for employment that could greatly benefit our community,” Gogoi added. Ultimatum to ONGC The organizations submitted a memorandum to Co-District Commissioner Kanika Rathee, demanding an inclusive contracting policy that prioritizes local communities. They have warned of halting all oil exploration activities in Geleki if their concerns remain unresolved by December 16.

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