Industrialists call on the TN Govt. to monitor over 5 lakh migrant workers in Coimbatore and Tirupur districts and create awareness that non-criminals can work safely.
Coimbatore: The industrial cities of Coimbatore and Tirupur districts play a major role in the development of both state and national industries.
Over 5 lakh migrant workers are employed in the manufacturing industries in both the districts. Under the guidance of the Government, the companies are registering the details of workers from other states at the nearest police station. Aadhar details are obtained from all workers and then they are given the opportunity to work in companies in both the districts.
The confidence in employing migrant workers seems to be waning since a few north Indian workers who had been working in Tamil Nadu for their survival began committing crimes. This brought disrepute to other workers who had a clean slate and no criminal background. There was concern for safety in the minds of the employers as well as migrant workers with regard to employment in Tamil Nadu.
In the context of companies struggling to cope with the new challenges that the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown their way and making efforts to bounce back from the crisis, the changing outlook on migrant workers for employment purposes has created a new headache among industrialists and hence they have urged the Tamil Nadu Government to intervene and solve the problem.
Shiva Shanmughakumar, President of the Coimbatore Tiny and Small Foundry Owners Association (COSMAFAN) stated, “Of more than 600 foundries operating in Coimbatore district, 80 percent of the total workforce is outsourced. We will also inform the nearest police station. Nevertheless, the police investigation into suspicious involvement of North-Indian workers in any crime has caused great panic among the good workers. Therefore, the Tamil Nadu Government should intensify the monitoring of other state workers.
In addition, the police should conduct special camps in companies for the large number of migrant workers to ensure that there is a safe environment for their survival in Tamil Nadu, without any criminal background. There are a total of more than 4 lakh such workers in Coimbatore district. It is to be noted that one and a half lakh people are employed in the foundry factories. People from Tamil Nadu are not interested in working in foundry factories due to reasons including high heat and harsh working conditions. That is why all the foundry factories are dependent on these other state workers."
Raja M Shanmugam, President, Tirupur Exporters Association (TEA) said, “There are over 2 lakh outsourced workers in all industries operating in Tirupur district. The industry has been advised to get their Aadhaar cards from them. It is practically impossible for the industry to verify whether the Aadhaar card they submit is genuine or fake. The export industry is facing various problems including the impact of the spread of Covid-19 infection as well as the shortage of containers. Problems with outsourced workers in such a situation are a major headache for industrialists. The Government should take action to monitor the activities of these migrant workers. We are ready to continue to provide all necessary assistance to the Government on behalf of the industry."
Ramesh Babu, President of the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA) said, “The Aadhaar card is issued to other state workers as per the Government guidelines. This helps them find out about their credentials. It will help them to immediately report the details of those who try to enroll at workplaces by submitting fake Aadhaar cards to the nearest police station."