In another blow to West Bengal’s jute industry, two mills in Hooghly district announced suspension of work on Sunday rendering around seven thousand workers jobless.
This comes a day after Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi visited a jute mill during his visit to the city.
Northbrook Jute Mill in Bhadreshwar and India Jute Mill in Serampore put up notices of suspension of work.
About 4,000 workers were employed at the Northbrook mill while 3,500 workers were employed at the India mill.
Falling demand for jute and worker problems were plaguing the jute mills, forcing many mill authorities to shut down the mills.
The India Jute Mills is situated about two kilometres from Wellington Jute Mill in Rishra, where Mr. Gandhi paid a visit on Saturday.
In his interaction with jute workers, he had assured them he would raise their problems in Parliament.
“I am with you all whether you are a jute mill worker, a farmer or from the the weaker section of society. Wherever you will see weak people, you will find Rahul Gandhi standing beside them,” Congress vice president had said.
Last year, the Northbrook mill was closed briefly following the murder of the chief executive officer in broad daylight on June 15. He was attacked by workers who were agitating against a management proposal to cut down on working hours.
