BACK ON ROLLS: Women workers rolling beedis in Karimnagar on Thursday. - Photo: R. Raju

KARIMNAGAR: Even as the political parties are keen on keeping the `danger mark' kettle boiling in the run-up to the Karimnagar bypoll, the Beedi Industry Federation on Thursday called off its strike following an assurance given by the Union Health Ministry to workers.

Women were back to rolling the beedies what with beedi companies distributing tendu leaves and tobacco to beedi workers. It was business as usual for 20 and odd beedi companies in the district.

The companies had closed their units on November 20 in protest against G.O. No. 297, entailing the printing of danger mark on beedi packets.

Following agitational programmes launched by workers and the opposition parties making a hue and cry, the Government reacted positively and promised to protect the interests of the workers by ensuring printing of only health warning sign without the skull and crossed bones.

Sircilla town where beedi rolling is the only alternative employment to weavers' families was buzzing with beedi rolling. Goli Kalpana, a widow, said beedi rolling was her only means to eke out a livelihood.

She said that she would earn between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 2,000 per month. She wanted the Government to completely remove the danger mark to safeguard the interests of the workers.

Andhra Pradesh Beedi Parishrama Karmikula Sangham district president B. Ilaiah told The Hindu that beedi companies had begun distributing leaves and tobacco to workers for rolling beedis.

"However, we are not sure till what time the companies will remain open. The printing of skull and bones on beedi packets has been made mandatory from February 1, 2007," he said.

"We will launch agitational programmes if the Government forces the companies to print the danger mark on beedi packets,'' he warned.

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