New Delhi: A delegation from the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), led by Sri Ravindra Himte, All India General Secretary, met with Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh to submit a memorandum demanding the immediate payment of pending wages to employees of the 23 national textile mills located in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Pondicherry, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.
The delegation also apprised the minister of ongoing agitations by workers and officers in Tamil Nadu and other parts of India. Following a detailed discussion, the minister agreed to clear wage dues through a direct payment system, ensuring that wages are deposited directly into each employee’s account.
He instructed the relevant authorities to compile a list of employees eligible for payment. Additionally, the delegation urged the Government to restart production in selected modern mills. In response, the minister stated that a policy decision is required, as many of these mills have remained non-viable, with production halted for the past five years.
The Government is expected to make a decision on this matter soon. The BMS delegation also highlighted the deplorable living conditions of employees’ quarters, particularly in Coimbatore, where workers reside in dilapidated housing. They requested urgent intervention to improve these facilities.
The delegation included, All India Organising Secretary BMS B. Surendran, All India Secretary Ashok Shukla and, North Central Zone Organising Secretary of the labour welfare body Anupam.
