Hyderabad: Minister Dr. G. Vivek Venkataswamy on Wednesday assured Sirpur Paper Mill workers that the process for conducting union elections would be initiated. Vivek gave the assurance during a meeting with representatives of Sirpur Paper Mill workers’ unions at the Secretariat.
Congress MLC Dande Vithal and BJP MLA Palvai Harish Babu attended the meeting. Leaders representing 10 workers’ unions also participated in the discussions. “The process for conducting elections for the workers’ unions will be initiated,” Vivek said.
The Minister also addressed legal matters and other pending problems affecting the mill workers. He said the government would take steps to resolve the issues in phases.
Sirpur Paper Mill workers raise pending issues
Vivek said the government would effectively present its case on legal matters concerning paper mill workers through the Advocate General. “The government will take steps to resolve pending issues by effectively arguing the case regarding the paper mill workers’ legal matters through the Advocate General,” he said.
The Minister also reviewed complaints concerning canteen facilities. Subsequently, he directed officials to act on violations of canteen establishment norms under the Factories Act. Vivek instructed the Director of Factories to issue a notice regarding the violations.
Workers’ union representatives also submitted a representation seeking an ESI hospital in Sirpur. The Minister said he would examine the request and take necessary action. “I will examine the representation submitted by the unions concerning the establishment of an ESI hospital in Sirpur and take necessary action,” Vivek said.
He also responded to a proposal to establish an Advanced Training Centre in Sirpur. The Minister said the government would consider the proposal. Vivek also directed officials to act against encroachments on land belonging to the Labour Welfare Centre.
He ordered the removal of existing encroachments from the property. In addition, officials were instructed to install fencing around the land to prevent further encroachments. The meeting covered union elections, legal disputes, canteen norms, healthcare infrastructure and the proposed training centre.
“The government will take measures to resolve the workers’ issues in a phased manner,” Vivek assured the union representatives.