By IANS,
Chandigarh : Brick kiln owners of Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh Thursday announced that they will go on an indefinite strike from June 15 to protest against the alleged “false complaints” being lodged against them by the labour community.
Over 13,000 members under the banner of All India Brick Kiln Owners Association (AIBKOA) will go on strike that will result in immediate loss of jobs for nearly 40 lakh labourers and will also hit various private and public construction projects.
“There is a growing influence of mafia in the labour community who are misusing the Bonded Labour Act. False complaints are being lodged against the brick kiln units resulting in heavy monetary losses to the owners,” Kuldip Kumar Khanduja, senior vice president of AIBKOA told reporters.
The association also urged the Punjab and Haryana governments to review the ban imposed on mining in the states.
“Inadequate supply of coal is another area of concern which is resulting in closure of units. Punjab alone requires 12,000-15,000 tonnes, whereas the government manages the supply of only 5,000 tonnes annually,” said Khanduja.
“Rest of the requirement is fulfilled through indirect agencies and therefore we urge the authorities concerned to appoint a direct agency for coal allotment,” he pointed out.