AGARTALA, January 5 (TIWN): The state government is taking a grab of the land owned by Jute Mill and taking initiative to put Jute Mill under lock, alleged a section of Jute Mill workers. They stated that once the Jute Mill used to acquire a land of 72 acre. Few parts out of the 72 acre land were given to Bypass, Amtali Police Station, International Fair Ground and NGO. The remaining would be given to Motor Stand. As a result, acquired land by Jute Mill is gradually reducing to zero.

Focusing the issue, the workers of Jute Mill seem to go for upheaval against Left Front government. Tripura Jute Mill started its journey in the year 1973 with the aim to fix the fair price of Jute produced by the farmers of the state and for an income source to the state’s unemployed youths. But, from the very beginning, selecting the Jute Mill company as a rehabilitation centre for their workers, appointed employees more than the company required.

The number of total employees required was 850, but, a total of 2253 employees were recruited. The only association that time was CITU backed Jute Mill Employees’ Association. The association leaders and Mill management jointly pushed the company gradually towards loss by involving in corruption, nepotism and failing to supply raw materials on due time. The first salary of Jute Mill employees was given to them as per the pay commission’s recommendation. The employees were supposed to be given pay scale and allowance akin to other government employees. But, the government did not put it in action.

The Jute Mill was excluded from the 4th Pay Commission. Considering the issue, when Jute Mill officer filed case with the association’s High Court, they were included in the 5th Pay Commission as per the verdict of the court.

But, they were deprived of pay scale and allowance. Those who claim themselves to be the party for employees and labor section have filed case in Supreme Court to deprive the labors and employees from their legitimate rights.

The anti­labor and anti­employees nature has been disclosed in front of the entire state. They also criticized the state government double standard role in giving due to the employees of Jute Mills Ltd. and said even after High Court’s verdict and Law department’s suggestion on the release of their dues, the government has taken the matter to the door of Supreme Court. “The state government move is really unfortunate”, they added.