Centre ready to amend beedi warning order

Amid controversy over printing of "skull and bones" mark on beedi packets, Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes today said the Centre would consider amending the law to protect the interests of beedi workers.

"We have to protect the interests of beedi workers and if need be, we are prepared to amend the law," he said in a brief chat with the media.

The 3.5-crore-worker strong beedi industry, backed by the Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP), is up in arms against the Congress government in Andhra Pradesh over the warning, which will be mandatory from February next year.

The state has been a witness to huge rallies by beedi workers, who fear the order will lead to low sales and closing down of units. This, the Congress fears, may affect its chances in the upcoming Karimnagar byelection.

Andhra Pradesh Minister of Finance and Health K Rosaiah, seeking relief for the industry, last week met Health Minister A Ramadoss, known for his tough stand against smoking. But all he got was an assurance of relief to workers.

Rosaiah also met Minister of State for Health Panabaka Lakshmi and senior officials in the ministry.

The rule will affect the lives of 3.5 crore beedi workers all over the country.

Though the Act was framed during the NDA regime, it is the Congress which has to bear the brunt of implementing it. "People who supported the rule at that time are opposing it now in Parliament," he said, referring to the Telugu Desam Party MPs.