ashwani sharma
Early Times Report
UDHAMPUR, Aug 8: Public outrage is mounting in Udhampur after four long-serving local employees of private industry were allegedly dismissed for demanding unpaid salaries and protesting workplace harassment. The incident has triggered street protests, political condemnation, and fresh allegations of GST fraud against the company.
The dispute began when a factory worker for over seven years , approached General Manager in the beginning of this month to request pending wages for June and July so he could pay for his sick child's treatment. Instead of support, claims he was verbally abused. Three colleagues who stood by him say they also faced insults. The four then lodged a formal complaint with the Labour Department.
Following the complaint, the Assistant Labour Commissioner inspected the factory and instructed management to clear dues and improve conduct. Yet, within days, all four workers received termination letters - a move locals describe as "management's revenge."
District Development Council (DDC) member Puran Chand condemned the dismissals:
"When this factory was set up, we were promised jobs for our youth. Now they are harassing and removing locals. If these workers are not reinstated, we will force the managment to shut the factory down."
Residents pointed out that the factory land was given on the condition of employing locals. "Now we have lost both our land and our jobs," one protester said, appealing to Udhampur Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai for intervention.
Retired government official Bhagwan Dass accused the company of polluting the environment and fraudulently claiming GST refunds by showing inflated figures of local employment. He called for a joint Labour-Sales Tax Department Physical inspection in-front of Public.
The terminated employees - each with 7 to 12 years of service - say their dismissal is unlawful. They cite appointment letters or Certificate issued by former GM, which clearly stated that no local employee could be removed while the factory operated unless they resigned voluntarily. "So how can the present GM remove us illegally?" asked one worker.
GM has denied all accusations, stating that the workers were removed for misconduct.
With protests intensifying, the matter has become a rallying point in Udhampur, highlighting deep concerns over workers' rights, corporate responsibility, and the misuse of public resources intended to benefit the local population. |
