JCT Mill former staff write to CM, seek justice for affected families
The Ex-Employees Union of the JCT has come forward to support the JCT workers, who are struggling for their six-month pending salary, besides alleging a scam in PF and ESI by directors Samir Thapar and Mukulika Sinha. The union has shot emails to the Chief Minister, DGP, Chief Secretary and other officers concerned.
The union has expressed frustration over “lack of justice” with around 5,000 families. While narrating a recent episode, the union members alleged that the Chairman and Executive Director of the company attempted to mislead the staff and workers by claiming that bankers had come to sell the plant and dues would be paid soon. But, in reality, they were dealing with second-hand machinery buyers from Rajasthan in an illegal manner, while the company was under the NCLT proceedings, they added.
It reflected a panic sale to make as much money as possible, with no intention to pay the dues to the affected workers, the union alleged.
In light of the action, hundreds of workers, along with women and children, gathered, demanding the arrest of those responsible for the fraudulent activities. Unfortunately, the police did not take any action, the union said. The union has urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, DGP Gaurav Yadav and Kapurthala SSP Vatsala Gupta to intervene and register a case against Samir Thapar and Mukulika Sinha under Section 406 and 409 of the PF Act for non-payment of the funds to the workers.
The union has alleged that the company has committed fraud by failing to pay ESI contributions after deducting these from wages over the past year. Numerous representations have been made to the Phagwara SP, but no action has been taken on record, the union alleged.
They requested the CM to issue directives to the DGP and Kapurthala SSP to ensure justice. The union leaders said despite their repeated emails and representations, the CM’s office has yet to take any concrete action, undermining the stance of zero tolerance against corruption.
They urged the CM to initiate an inquiry to ascertain why the Phagwara police have not taken action against Samir Thapar and Mukulika Sinha since April 4, 2024.
