Date:30/09/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/09/30/stories/2004093001731900.htm

Back Bengal bidi industry calls off strike

Our Bureau

Kolkata , Sept. 29

THE five-day industrial strike called by the Federation of Biri, Biri Leaves and Tobacco Merchants and other associated bodies from September 27 was called off on Wednesday following a request from the Chief Minister's office.

The strike was to seek redressal of the grievances of the industry and the bidi workers (over 10 lakh in West Bengal)

According to a statement issued by Mr Sourav Patel, General Secretary of the federation, here, the decision has been taken after the CM's office wanted to know the reasons behind the industrial action. An assurance was later given that attempts would be jointly made by the State and the Centre to resolve all issues.

Mr Patel said both the Chief Minister, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, and the Union Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee (who incidentally is the standing MP from Jangipur in North Bengal - the area where the bidi industry is concentrated), appealed to the federation and other bodies to call off the strike in view of the hardship it may cause to workers before the ensuing Puja and Ramzan celebrations.

Mr Patel said in a written communication to the federation the CM has assured that all issues faced by the bidi sector will be addressed jointly with the Centre.

He said the strike was being called off in the hope that the State Government would soon initiate steps to solve the problems faced by the bidi sector and the workers in particular with regard to smuggling of unbranded bidis and PF claim settlements of workers.

Mr Patel, however, cautioned that if solutions are not found soon, the bidi sector may have to resort to an indefinite strike.

The clandestine movement of unbranded bidis - procured and distributed illegally in huge quantities - is threatening to wipe out the excise-covered organised branded bidi industry, said Mr Rijaul Karim, Joint Secretary, Dhulian, Aurangabad Bidi Merchants Association.

The federation, in its recent letter to the CM, pointed out that despite several meetings with the authorities at the district level and at the Writers' Buildings, Kolkata, and assurances to curb rampant bidi smuggling, the problem still remains.