Employees are concerned about their future after the Adani Group announced its takeover of Orient Cement Company (OCC) in October 2024. The buyout entails transitioning OCC’s management to Adani Cement over the following three to four months.
The plant is located in Devapur, Kasipet mandal, and employs 2,358 people, including permanent, contract, management, and loading staff.
Employees are concerned about prospective labour reductions under the new administration and question whether the CK Birla Group would follow previous agreements. These worries have prompted plans for organised rallies demanding accountability.
OCC, founded by the CK Birla Group 42 years ago, has long been a pillar of the local economy. The former management had pledged considerable investments, including the construction of a fourth unit and the creation of 4,000 local jobs for persons displaced by land acquisition or harmed by air pollution. Other assurances included the construction of vital infrastructure such as schools, healthcare facilities, and roads in the nearby villages. Despite High Court decisions, there are ongoing complaints that many of these pledges have not been delivered.
Workers’ unions have started mobilising to demand action. A respected trade union leader has urged the new administration to keep past promises or risk protests. Meanwhile, Ramulu Naik, a former MLC and union president, has announced plans for a daylong sit-in outside the facility to demand quick development on the fourth unit.
Employees and local stakeholders are eager to learn more about the Adani Group’s ambitions as it takes over operations. The issue demonstrates the difficulties of integrating corporate transformations with commitments to employee well-being and community development.
