A delegation of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), led by B Surendran, All India Organising Secretary, met Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Bhai and brought to his notice on the problems faced by the National Textile Mills (NTC) workers and Aanganwadi Workers & Daily Wagers issues of J&K.
The 23 NTC Mills in 8 States have stopped production since the 2020 lockdown period began. The company is giving only 50 per cent of wages to permanent employees. Even within the 50 per cent salary, management will deduct Rs 2000 per quarter wherever it exists. The majority of Quarters are in the worst conditions. No repairs are being made, but the rent is still being collected. Currently, the Mills are not operational. The workers do not take on any other work. They are in doll-drams.
The pathetic situation is that the management has not paid the salaries since November 2024 to both Employees, Staff and Officers. The employees are unable to lead an everyday life. Strong protests and agitations started in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Pondicherry. In Amaravati’s Finlay Mills of Maharashtra, some workers committed suicide a few months back. Recently, three workers tried to commit suicide by climbing the chimney. Aggressive agitations are ongoing in Kalaiyar Koil, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The delegation requested the Minister to intervene and discuss with the relevant authorities to settle the wage dues for all employees and Officers. BMS also asked the Home Minister to initiate production in 12 selected Mills. It has submitted a memorandum giving multiple suggestions on the revival of NTC Mills.
The delegation brought to his notice the long-pending problems of Jammu Kashmir Aanganwadi Workers and Daily Wage Workers. The meeting was more fruitful. The Minister promised he delegation that he would speak with the concerned Minister regarding the immediate payment of salary dues to NTC Mills Workers and also study the suggestions made by BMS to restart production in the selected 12 Mills.
Responding to the problems faced by the J&K workers, the Minister informed that he will speak with the Minister of Women and Child Welfare and pay the Central share at par with other states. Regarding daily wage workers, he prefers recruitment on a merit basis with a good wage structure.
The other members of the delegation are: Ashok Shukla, National Secretary; Pawan Kumar, North Zone Organising Secretary; Ashok Chowdary, J&K Organising Secretary; Mukesh Kumar, Secretary, Jammu BMS; and Kali Kumar, CW Member, BRMS. The delegation thanked the minister for his patient hearing and responding positively.
