Kollam: The complete lay-off of the Chathannoor cooperative spinning mill has signalled the shutdown of yet another industry in the State. Over 400 families are in dire straits as the mill has been shut for nearly two months.
Meanwhile, Rs 45 cr allotted by the NCDC for renovating the spinning mill is still with the Government. The workers have called for a protest starting from Tuesday.
The mill management had submitted a project of Rs. 57 cr to the NCDC with a view to improving the efficiency of the mill. The NCDC approved the project and issued an amount of Rs. 45.15 cr in August 2015.
The money was given to the Government, which served as the guarantor of the deal. However, the money has not yet been given to the mill for its renovation by the Government. The spinning mill started in 1983 but there was a complete lay-off since September 22.
“The crisis has worsened as the machinery installed at the mill have almost worn out and it is high time for renovation. The Provident Fund insurance dues for the employees have been stalled which in turn has affected PF claims since August last year. Likewise, the ESI premium has also been left unpaid. The Government has not taken any action though the Chief Minister and the Industries Minister were alerted on the situation in September itself,” alleged Muraleedharanpillai, joint protest council President.
The Government had sanctioned Rs. 12.88 cr in the last four years to purchase cotton to operate the spinning mill and the mill also had Rs. 5 cr in its account.
However, the employees allege that the amount was misspent by the management.The joint protest council demands immediate intervention by the Government to make the spinning mill operational.
The council will stage a sit-in protest and rally at the Chathannoor junction by 9 am on Tuesday as part of the protest.
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