Andhra Pradesh State Sugar Employees Federation has urged the Government to take interest in solving the long pending problems being faced by the Cooperative sugar factories in the state and save the ten lakh farmers, factory employees and workers who are dependent on these factories.
Federation President and former MLC B Radha Krishnaiah, speaking to the media here on Wednesday, said that they have submitted a representation to the Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce department, and the Commissioner of Sugars, requesting them to look into the problems of cooperative sugar factories and solve them. It was pointed out that of the 11 sugar factories in cooperative sector, three were closed down three years back, and some others were on the verge of closure due to the indifferent attitude of the Government officials.
In the representation, he requested the authorities to see that rate for sugarcane supplied to the factories last year be fixed and the arrears were paid to the farmers. Stating that the factories were facing problems as the vacant posts were not filled-in since 1993, he urged the Government to see that the permanent and seasonal permanent posts be filled with the daily wage workers, and this would not entail any additional financial burden to the Government. He wanted the Government to take steps for payment of salaries due from 6 to 22 months to the workers and also to the retired workers. He said that the workers would resort to a dharna programme on November 27 in front of Sugar Commissioner’s office, if their grievances were not met. (NSS)