Demand-supply gap is shooting up the prices of helmets in Tirupur knitwear cluster and the textile workers, most of them employed on daily and weekly wages, are finding it difficult to purchase the head gears at affordable costs.
Labour unions like CITU-affiliated Baniyan General Workers Union and Tamil Nadu Tyagi Kumaran General Workers Union have come up with an appeal to the district administration to make arrangements for distribution of helmets free of cost to textile workers.
“When government machinery finds allocation to distribute lesser important freebies like television, mixie and grinder, why steps cannot be taken to give away helmets free of cost to textile workers since it matters to protection of lives of motorcycle riders.
“The workers have been getting meagre wages with which they have to meet rising house rentals and other expenses,” quipped C. Moorthi, a senior office-bearer of Baniyan General Workers Union.
Prices of helmets have tripled with many traders showing shortage to shoot up the prices. Some of the people are now depending on purchase through e-portal where too, stocks have been running out fast. “E-purchase is easy with significant price discounts available and the door-delivery of the products been ensured,” said Vijaya, an office-goer.
P. Somasundram, secretary of Tirupur Consumer Voice, questions the discrepancies in helmet rule. “What is the point in saying that women as pillion riders as well as children below 12 years are exempted from wearing helmets? Are their lives not precious?,” he quipped.
