Will discuss with Defence Minister on BEML contract workers’ issues: H D Kumaraswamy
2 min read
KGF/Kolar: Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H D Kumaraswamy, assured that he would discuss the issues of BEML contract workers with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Accompanied by Kolar MP Mallesh Babu, MLAs Venkata Shiva Reddy and Samruddhi Manjunath, the minister visited the protest site in KGF, where workers have been staging a dharna for the past 13 days, and held discussions with them.
“I have already discussed your demands with the company’s CMD (Chairman and Managing Director), and he has responded positively. Tomorrow morning (Monday), I will be leaving for Delhi to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence to discuss your issues. Shri Rajnath Singh is especially concerned about Karnataka, and I am confident he will respond positively to your problems,” said the minister.
Addressing the workers, Kumaraswamy said: “I understand the pain behind your demands, including job regularization and salary hikes. Before coming here, I spoke with the BEML CMD over the phone. While the issue of job regularization is beyond my authority, we are ready to address and resolve the rest of your demands. The CMD has expressed willingness to discuss further if the workers end the protest and return to work. Let’s work together to find an amicable solution.”
BEML is a central government-owned large-scale industry, and the ongoing protest for 13 days is concerning, he said.
“This situation is not beneficial for the company, the country, or the workers’ welfare. Trust my word, immediately end the protest, and resume work. I will meet the Defence Minister by Thursday and come back here on Friday morning with good news for all of you,” Kumaraswamy appealed.
“I will sincerely try to do what is best for your families. This is my responsibility. Please return to work first. Sitting in protest for so many days benefits no one. I came to know about this issue on Saturday and am here with you today, Sunday. This is how Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government works,” he added.
Earlier, the Union Minister listened to the appeals of the workers union. Responding to Kumaraswamy’s assurance, the workers said, “We will discuss your request to immediately return to work. Any decision taken will not go against the interests of the workers.”
Former MP Muniswamy, MLC Inchara Govindaraju, former MLC Chowdareddy Toopalli, former MLAs Sampangi and Narayana Swamy, along with several leaders and representatives of various workers’ organisations, were present.
– Team MysoorunewsÂ
Mysooru News
