Small-Scale Industries Minister and District in-charge Satish L. Jarkiholi has asked the management of Gokak Mills to attend the conciliatory meeting on any of the three days from April 28 to 30 without fail to take up the persisting demand of the workers to re-open operations at the mills.
The issue of the workers, who have been agitating ever since the management illegally resorted to lock-out a couple of weeks ago, came up for review at a meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Thursday. Deputy Commissioner N. Jayaram, Superintendent of Police B.R. Ravikanthe Gowda, Mahashakti Javali Karmikara Sangh president Bhimshi L. Jarkiholi and three officials of the Gokak Mills were present.
The meeting was convened as the district administration came under pressure from the workers, angry over the death of a colleague, Kalappa Kadappa (42), during a protest on April 13. He succumbed to poison on Sunday. Mr. Jayaram had promised them to convene a meeting to explore possibilities of re-commencing the operations at the mills, a unit of Forbes Gokak at Gokak Falls near Gokak town.
During the discussion on the issue, Mr. Gowda did not find adequate substance in the request for protection for the mill’s management and advised them to sort out differences with the workers amicably.
Mr. Jarkiholi, Mr. Jayaram and Mr. Bhimshi told the management that the demand of workers to commence operations at the mills was genuine and the government stood to protect interest and rights of the workers. In view of the management deputing “no voices” to attend the meeting, it was decided that the at least one person from the management entrusted with powers to take decisions on the spot must attend the meeting on any of the three days from April 28 to 30 to take a collective and appropriate decision.
Meanwhile, Mr.Jayaram assured monetary relief to the widow and three children of Kalappa. Mr. Bhimshi said the government should advise the management to provide a permanent job to the widow in the mill or the district administration could find a placement in any private or government institution. However, if she was willing to work in Gokak town, she would be appointed in one of the institutions run by him, said Mr.Bhimshi.
