By TC News Desk
Agartala, 25th June 2024: The Tripura Chatkal Sramik Union has taken a firm stand against the deprivation faced by the workers of Tripura Jute Mills. In a decisive move, the union announced at a press conference held at the Agartala Press Club on Tuesday that a public notice will be issued to the Managing Director of Tripura Jute Mills on June 29.
Speaking at the conference, Secretary of the Tripura Chatkal Sramik Union Dhanmani Sinha emphasized the long-standing grievances of the workers. “The court has mandated the state government to settle the salaries and allowances of the jute mill workers dating back to January 1, 1996,” Sinha stated. He highlighted that the High Court and the Supreme Court had directed the settlement of the workers’ dues as per the Fair Dues Act between September 4 of the previous year and January 3 of this year.
Despite this clear directive, Sinha pointed out that the jute mill authorities failed to disburse the owed amounts within the four-month timeframe stipulated by the courts. “The state government has, in principle, agreed to provide the necessary funds, and an allocation of 20 crore rupees has been made,” he revealed. “However, only a portion of the workers have received their payments, and even then, the payments were made secretly into their bank accounts without publishing the names on the notice board, causing great discontent among the workers.”
The lack of transparency and incomplete settlements has ignited anger among the jute mill workers, leading to a rally organized at Dukli Block Hall on June 23. During this rally, it was unanimously decided to issue a mass notice to the jute mill authorities, demanding answers and accountability. “This mass notice will be formally handed over to the Managing Director of Tripura Jute Mills on June 29,” Sinha declared. “We will question why a white paper has not been published regarding the payments.”
Sinha reassured the workers that their movement is legitimate and firmly grounded in legal rights. “Our fight is for justice, and we will ensure that every worker receives their rightful dues,” he affirmed. The press conference saw the presence of other key union leaders, including Narayan Debnath, who voiced their solidarity and commitment to the cause.
As the date for issuing the public notice approaches, the workers of Tripura Jute Mills stand united in their demand for transparency and justice, determined to hold the authorities accountable for their promises and obligations.
