Protests by local youths from villages in Jewar, whose land was acquired for the Noida International Airport (NIA), have prompted the project's implementing agency to detail its recruitment framework. The protestors are demanding permanent jobs as promised, disputing the nature of employment currently being offered.
NIAL's Structured Recruitment System Explained
In response to the agitation, Noida International Airport Ltd (NIAL) has asserted that a structured recruitment system is now operational. Officials stated that all positions will come with minimum wages, Provident Fund (PF), Employee State Insurance (ESI), bonus, gratuity, and leave benefits as per government norms. The framework involves hiring through partner companies of Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), a dedicated online career portal for project-affected families, and a joint committee for supervision.
This committee, comprising NIAL, district officials, and YIAPL, is tasked with overseeing placements, addressing grievances, and coordinating training programs. According to NIAL, three exclusive recruitment drives have already been conducted on September 11, October 31, and December 2. These drives attracted over 300 candidates and resulted in 24 offer letters being issued. Approximately 180 affected youths have registered on the portal.
Skill Development and Protestors' Counter-Claims
NIAL officials highlighted ongoing skill development initiatives. They claimed YIAPL upgraded facilities at the ITI in Jewar and conducted a two-month aviation course covering passenger handling and ramp operations. Communication and soft-skills modules were also launched. Out of 28 candidates who completed this aviation program, 24 received job offers from partner firms, officials said.
However, the protesting group, which includes 335 youths from 14 villages, strongly contests these claims. These individuals had opted for a job-in-lieu-of-compensation scheme instead of a cash payment of Rs 5 lakh offered in 2019. They allege that the Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R) draft and verbal assurances promised direct employment with YIAPL under NIAL's supervision, conditions they say remain unfulfilled.
The protestors argue that no proper training was provided for seven years and that the current offers are for third-party contractual roles without PF, ESI, or long-term job security. They also pointed out that interview emails mentioned possible termination within six months, which they claim contradicts earlier commitments. The group says they boycotted the September 11 and December 2 recruitment rounds as the offers did not match the original promises.
Key Demands and Forthcoming Resolution
The demands put forth by the youths are clear and specific:
- Direct jobs on the YIAPL payroll.
- Formal appointment letters with full statutory benefits.
- Recruitment supervised directly by NIAL.
- Public posting of job notifications on the district portal.
Arun Chhonker, one of the protestors, refuted NIAL's claim of 24 job offers. "The claim that 24 youths from affected families have received job offers is false. None of those who declined the Rs 5 lakh compensation for a permanent job was offered employment. We rejected the October interviews because they were for third-party roles," he said.
The protest was temporarily put on hold after the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Jewar assured protestors of a resolution following discussions with senior officials. A crucial meeting between the youth representatives and the administration is likely to be held on Friday.
The Noida International Airport, a landmark project spread over 1,334 hectares, is poised to be a major employment generator. Officials state it will create more than 5,000 direct jobs in its first phase alone. The airport is scheduled to open with an initial capacity of 12 million passengers annually, with plans for significant expansion in subsequent phases.
