In yet another agitation against the promoters of Dunlop India Ltd, Ruia Group, the family members of the workers went on a hunger-strike today demanding resumption of work at the Shahagunj unit in Hooghly.
The hunger-strike is supported by the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-controlled Dunlop Bachao Nagarik Mancha. Partha Chatterjee, leader of opposition in the state Legislative Assembly and general secretary of TMC was unavailable for comment.
Workers alleged that the Ruias did not start production at the Sahagunj plant ever since they took over the company in 2006. The hunger-strike will continue till July 20.
A Dunlop spokesperson said, "We also want production to resume at Sahagunj, but cannot do so without the power supply being restored by the West Bengal State Electricity Board(WBSEB)". There is an outstanding bill of Rs 15 crore that Dunlop has to pay WBSEB. Pawan K Ruia, chairman, Ruia Group, had said recently that the company was billed at the rate of Rs 30 lakh per month even during the period of shutdown, and he suspected pilferage.
A case is on between the Dunlop management and WBSEB at the Calcutta High Court, and nothing can move before the order is out.
Currently, 250 maintenance workers were working at Sahagunj, the spokesperson informed. He also added that the company could resume production within seven days of getting the power connection and planned an initial production target of 40 tonnes per day(tpd).