The Centre should create a favourable environment for the smooth functioning of fireworks units in Sivakasi, , said AIADMK leader and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha M. Thambi Durai on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters here, he said Sivakasi was notable for fireworks units involved in large-scale production in which thousands of workers were engaged.
In recent years, these units faced hurdles not only from within, but also due to imports from China. Considering the need to save the sector and workers who depended on it, the Centre should introduce broad guidelines which would satisfy both environmentalists and the industry, Mr. Thambi Durai said.
The government should also stop the inflow of crackers from China as it affected the domestic business. At a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi campaigned for ‘Make in India,’ the Centre should also find solution to the problems of local manufacturers. It was just not crackers, but many other commodities were coming here from China, which had stalled the domestic trade, Mr. Thambi Durai charged.
On the release of seven convicts in the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, he said from the days of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, the AIADMK had favoured their release. The Assembly had passed resolutions to this effect and sent them to the Union government. Hence, the ball was now in the Centre’s court. The State government, he said, would continue to insist on their release.
