Genuine concern of Sivakasi fireworks units
The fire works units in Sivakasi region has announced indefinite closure from December,26th,2017, to bring their problems and concern to national attention and seek supportive measures from the government. The concern of the fire works units are very genuine and need understanding from all concerned.
The future of the fireworks units are now severely threatened, as Supreme Court has earlier ordered the ban on fire crackers in a few regions considering the adverse environmental effect. The order of the Supreme Court was followed by a few more courts in different states which also imposed ban or restrictions on fire crackers. The environmental groups have also been voicing concern about the adverse effect of fire crackers , as several chemicals which are toxic are used in the production. The case pertaining to nationwide ban on firecrackers is now pending before supreme Court.
Sivakasi region in Tamil Nadu produces around 90% of India’s need of firecrackers. Around 300 varieties of firecrackers are produced here.
With around 1400 fireworks units and over one lakh direct workers and several more indirect workers , Sivakasi fireworks units face uncertain future. There are several villages around Sivakasi region where the people solely depend on the firecracker industry for their living, who belong to lower income group.
The threat of near closure of fire crackers units in Sivakasi region in the near future is real.
Obviously, Tamil Nadu government should create alternate employment avenues for workmen in Sivakasi before the issue reaches crisis proportion.
I submitted detailed proposal to Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in Novermber,2017 suggesting that steps should be taken immediately to initiate following measures urgently to save the future of the workers and their families in fireworks units and avoid an impending unrest and justifiable agitation.
Sivakasi region and villages around do not have any significant natural advantages like high ground water potential or big agricultural activity. The local people depending on fireworks units for their jobs do not have any particular skill other than relating to making fire crackers.
The one redeeming feature is that the entrepreneur community in Sivakasi and surrounding belt are known for their hard work, enterprise, initiative and willingness to consider new ideas. They need guidance and support from the government at this critical stage. What Sivakasi region need today is alternate industrial units in tiny and small scale that are employment oriented and need labour force.
In such circumstances, the government of Tamil Nadu should favourably consider a scheme to promote hosiery and garment units in the region. Further, setting up of number of auto component units and foundry units to produce different types of castings are appropriate investment options for creating a cluster in Sivakasi belt.
I have not received any reply from the Chief Minister’s office but received copy of letter sent by the Industries Commissioner to the General Manager, District Industry Centre, Virudhunagar to send a suitable reply to me. ( letter no.31595/PD3/2017 dated 7/12/2017)
However, I received a letter from the Industries safety department (letter no. G2/29489/2017 date4d 13/12/2017 ) that it can do nothing in the matter.
Obviously, the issues confronting Sivakasi fireworks units must be dealt at highest level in the government, as it involves policy approach and strategies. Certainly, a general manager of Districts Industries Centre cannot handle such issues.
I do not know whether such response from the government indicates any lack of interest in the matter.
I appeal to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, once again, to look into the matter with the urgency that it deserves, so that impending unrest would be avoided and the poor workers’ economic life would be protected.
N.S.Venkataraman
Nandini Voice for The Deprived
nandinivoice.com more
The future of the fireworks units are now severely threatened, as Supreme Court has earlier ordered the ban on fire crackers in a few regions considering the adverse environmental effect. The order of the Supreme Court was followed by a few more courts in different states which also imposed ban or restrictions on fire crackers. The environmental groups have also been voicing concern about the adverse effect of fire crackers , as several chemicals which are toxic are used in the production. The case pertaining to nationwide ban on firecrackers is now pending before supreme Court.
Sivakasi region in Tamil Nadu produces around 90% of India’s need of firecrackers. Around 300 varieties of firecrackers are produced here.
With around 1400 fireworks units and over one lakh direct workers and several more indirect workers , Sivakasi fireworks units face uncertain future. There are several villages around Sivakasi region where the people solely depend on the firecracker industry for their living, who belong to lower income group.
The threat of near closure of fire crackers units in Sivakasi region in the near future is real.
Obviously, Tamil Nadu government should create alternate employment avenues for workmen in Sivakasi before the issue reaches crisis proportion.
I submitted detailed proposal to Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in Novermber,2017 suggesting that steps should be taken immediately to initiate following measures urgently to save the future of the workers and their families in fireworks units and avoid an impending unrest and justifiable agitation.
Sivakasi region and villages around do not have any significant natural advantages like high ground water potential or big agricultural activity. The local people depending on fireworks units for their jobs do not have any particular skill other than relating to making fire crackers.
The one redeeming feature is that the entrepreneur community in Sivakasi and surrounding belt are known for their hard work, enterprise, initiative and willingness to consider new ideas. They need guidance and support from the government at this critical stage. What Sivakasi region need today is alternate industrial units in tiny and small scale that are employment oriented and need labour force.
In such circumstances, the government of Tamil Nadu should favourably consider a scheme to promote hosiery and garment units in the region. Further, setting up of number of auto component units and foundry units to produce different types of castings are appropriate investment options for creating a cluster in Sivakasi belt.
I have not received any reply from the Chief Minister’s office but received copy of letter sent by the Industries Commissioner to the General Manager, District Industry Centre, Virudhunagar to send a suitable reply to me. ( letter no.31595/PD3/2017 dated 7/12/2017)
However, I received a letter from the Industries safety department (letter no. G2/29489/2017 date4d 13/12/2017 ) that it can do nothing in the matter.
Obviously, the issues confronting Sivakasi fireworks units must be dealt at highest level in the government, as it involves policy approach and strategies. Certainly, a general manager of Districts Industries Centre cannot handle such issues.
I do not know whether such response from the government indicates any lack of interest in the matter.
I appeal to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, once again, to look into the matter with the urgency that it deserves, so that impending unrest would be avoided and the poor workers’ economic life would be protected.
N.S.Venkataraman
Nandini Voice for The Deprived
nandinivoice.com more
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Right now we have Nil Governance in Tamilnadu. The Central Government is also turning a blind eye to plight of farmers, fisherfolk etc. and may prove to be unhelpful to this sector of needy population as well. More and more I am convinced that the attitude of the Central Government to the Southern States is patronising and colonial. We need not expect any help forthcoming from them as well. We should ensure at least that the Amma Canteens cater to the people for whom they were intended and donations to the affected people in Sivakasi flow in through crowd sourcing and proper direction through dedicated agencies which are not driven by ulterior motives like proselytisation. (Already we have seen that the Pope has enquired about the plight of missing fisherfolk with our Government.) The RKNagar result has shown that the people are sick and tired of both the contending parties in Tamilnadu (who actually originated from the same DK) and are keen on turning to those who promise to deliver. It is doubtful whether BJP will fill the bill. Only Time will tell. L.Kalavathi Retd. Bank Official Chennai, Tamilnadu, India 26/12/2017 more
Dec 26
Industry Suggestions to Sivakasi people: 1. Premium cracker industry - use of some of the harmful chemicals can be given up and less harmful chemicals may be used for premium crackers which are used all over the world. 2. Safety matches - Sivakasi may create a brand of its own 3. Agarbathi Industries - since it is a cottage industry in Sivakasi, agarbathis may serve as an alternate, which may promote some fragrance and perfumery industries too. 4. Instead of traditional industries, I suggest Solar energy production through solar panels. This can be done with government (ministry of Energy) help. If Government machinery is found slow in reacting, reprentations to some of the other bodies such as CII, Skill Development Ministry of India, Self-help groups can be made. more
Dec 26
While the problem is to redressed.,the govt should come out with alternate opportunity for employment for the displaced. Otherwise export to countries outside India. more
Dec 26
It is not desirable to promote industries or export fireworks detrimental to environment or toxic to human beings and flora or fauna anywhere in the world. It is better to diversify the occupations or afford proper training/education to the affected population in order to make them employable. We should not forget that the Sivakasi units have exploited children for years, another negative.
L.Kalavathi
Retired Bank Official
Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
26/12/2017 more
L.Kalavathi
Retired Bank Official
Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
26/12/2017 more
Dec 26
Everyone including law makers should understand that "Corruption is more dangerous than pollution" . How many corrupt leaders have been punished? more
Dec 25
The entire judiciary system is deeply corrupted , its like the fence is eating the crops. It can not understand the plight of the common man.
It is only for the corrupt politicians. more
It is only for the corrupt politicians. more
Dec 26
The suggestions for alternative industries suggested by both Mr venkat Raman and Srinivasa Raghavan are commendable. The reply from the Govt. is irresponsible to say the least. This is what happens to most brilliant ideas from experts to the Govt. in general and TN govt. in particular. The Bureaucrats come to office to warm their chairs, come out with ideas to create more loop holes in anything they do or have done so as to make more corruption. more
Dec 25
