VIJAYAWADA : The decision to shift the wholesale market from One town to Gollapaudi wholesale commercial complex has severely affected hundreds of mutha workers, as they are facing stiff competition from the local workforce.

As per the directions of the District Collector, officials have intensified their drive to shift the wholesalers from the dingy streets of Canal Road, Sivalayam Street, Iron Centre, and Gulab Chand Street. The primary reason for the shifting of traders is to ease the traffic at Old town.

Many traders are not willing to go to Gollapudi as it would affect their business and transport owners are reluctant as no facilities are provided to them at the complex.

No activity

Loading and unloading activities have come to a halt since Saturday night and many mutha workers are unsure about their survival.

"Our very survival is at stake. At Gollapudi, we would become non-locals and workers at Gollapudi are willing to work for meagre amount. In fact, we have paid more than Rs. 50,000 to mutha mastries to get the job," say the agitated workers in unison.

Traders' move

As per the mutha union sources, there are around 1,000 workers eking out their living by loading and unloading goods in One town wholesale market.

Says Subba Reddy, general secretary, Mutha Workers' Association, "The irony is many traders are planning to use the Gollapudi complex as their godowns and carry on their business at One town. The move would backfire, as consumers might not show interest in buying provisions by travelling six km."

He has said already an agreement had been reached between mutha associations that the existing workers, working for their traders, would not be replaced. "As per the understanding, 235 workers in and around Gollapudi would be given jobs as mutha workers in the new wholesale complex," he says.

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