Delhi High Court orders Union govt to file affidavit & express its intent on revival of 2 HPC Mills in Assam

Aug. 30: In a latest development in the case of revival of Assam Paper Mills, the Delhi High Court directed the Government of India to file an affidavit clarifying the intent of the government regarding the revival of the 2 paper mills in Assam (at Nagaon & Panchgram) owned by Hindustan Paper Corporation. The status report would also indicate the total amount of disbursements made to the workmen, including the 500 Workmen whose details have been given by the Petitioner, as well as the balance amounts lying with the EPFO. The next date of hearing is on September 28.

The JACRU (Joint Action Committee of Recognised Unions) of Nagaon & Cachar Paper Mills, Assam, welcoming the order expressed, “The commitments and assurances repeatedly given by Government of India and Assam would unveil the face of reality while the affidavit on the revival of HPC would be submitted before the Hon’ble High Court and the Citizens of Assam would realise whether the governments and ruling party honour their commitment & election manifesto”.

Manobendra Chakraborty, President, CPPWU, CKKTSC & JACRU said, “The JACRU revealed that the Appellate Tribunal, NCLAT passed order to ensure that the Industries remain going concern & the Government was directed to infuse required funds to revive the industries but the Government didn’t pay any heed to the order of Hon’ble NCLAT. Moreover, withholding the salary since last 56 months imposed inhuman torture on the workers which resulted in regular deaths & as of now 92 workers died which includes 3 suicides under various compelling circumstances due to nonpayment of salary.”

“The JACRU is confident that the Government in Centre & State would definitely honour their commitments & Election Manifesto which will be reflected in their Affidavit going to be submitted before the Hon’ble Delhi High Court within 28-09-2021. However, JACRU reaffirms continuation of mass movement, including legal battle with support of respected citizens till the Industries of Assam are revived, all legitimate dues of workers are cleared & the huge scope of employment for the youths of Assam ensured.,” added Manobendra Chakraborty.

Cachar Paper Mill and Nagaon Paper Mill run by Hindustan Paper Corporation Limited (HPCL) have been non-functional since 20 October 2015 and 13 March 2017 respectively. The employees of the two mills have not received salaries for the past 56 months.