Industry & Economy
-
Textiles
States
-
Tamil Nadu
Bleak times loom over textile sector
L.N. Revathy
Coimbatore, Dec. 19 A number of workers in the textile and garment manufacturing sector in Tamil Nadu have been rendered jobless, with mills closing down operations or operating at sub-optimal capacity due to the energy crisis and demand recession.
Most of these workers hail from the southern districts. They left for their hometown just before Deepawali. It appears that their employers had asked them to report for work only after receiving a call, and the call, it is learnt, has been put on hold.
Industry insiders estimate the job loss at over one lakh and this is expected to rise in the coming months.
Textile trade unions are coming to terms with the present situation. “Nothing can be more depressing than the present,” a union representative said. Details show that over 100 textile mills (non SSI units) have wound up operations in Tamil Nadu alone over the years, rendering thousands jobless. The reasons for the closure have been attributed to financial difficulties, lockout, strike and labour trouble, among others.
During the same period, newer units (both SMEs and SSI) commenced operations, creating job opportunities. But the scenario looks bleak at present, with a majority of mills operating at less than 40 per cent capacity and laying off workers.
“Unless the Tamil Nadu Government comes out with a strong policy for power, the issue cannot be resolved. We expect the problem to persist for at least another 3-4 years,” an industry source said and pointed out that most units operated just one shift a day.
More Stories on :
Textiles |
Tamil Nadu
Article
E-Mail
::
Comment
::
Syndication
::
Printer Friendly Page
|
