The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Karimnagar News : Relief a mirage for powerloom workers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Aug 14, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Karimnagar

Relief a mirage for powerloom workers

By Our Staff Reporter

KARIMNAGAR, AUG. 13. In spite of several relief and rehabilitation measures initiated by the State and Central Governments for the uplift of the distressed powerloom weavers in Sircilla, none has taken shape and there is no change in their living standards.

The powerloom workers continue living in the same dingy lanes of B. Y. Nagar, Sundaraiahnagar and Rajivnagar in Sircilla town. Their wages too have remained static since the last three years and there is no medical insurance scheme for them.

Three years ago, when distressed powerloom weavers resorted to suicide due to unemployment and increasing debts, the Government had announced several sops for their benefit. The Centre had introduced the Technology Upgradation Fund scheme (TUF) to help them upgrade their looms.

The State Government had announced 50 per cent reduction of power tariff for the powerlooms, and also setting up of a modern textile park with the Centre's assistance. Excise duty was also abolished on fabric produced on the powerlooms.

Owners gain

But, these schemes have only benefited the powerloom owners while the workers, who constitute a majority, still lead a life in misery. As eyewash the Government had provided some ration cards and pensions to aged weavers. Training on Juki machines, mechanised leaf-plate making, petty-coats making, alternative employment programmes for youth etc., have been shelved.

Paltry wages

S. Mallesham, president of Powerloom Workers Union, affiliated to the AITUC, said, "Though the Government announced 50 per cent power subsidy for the powerlooms, the owners are paying the same wages - 0.60 paise -- per metre of fabric produced by workers. Sometimes, it is even reduced to 0.50 paise citing various reasons," he pointed out.

He feared that auto and jet looms at the proposed textile park would spell doom for powerloom workers in the region. He urged the Government to provide minimum wages to the workers, ESI and PF facilities and also group insurance scheme.

Recognition sought

Premchand, president of Krushi, a voluntary body, said the Government should recognise powerloom industry on par with handloom industry and provide all benefits to the weavers. Expressing concern over the exploitation of workers by the powerloom owners, he said the Government should appoint an officer exclusively to deal with the powerloom industry to ensure minimum wages and other benefits to the workers.

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Relief a mirage for powerloom workers