Reopen Chittivalasa jute mill, demands CPM

Visakhapatnam: The CPM leaders demanded that the state government reopen the Chittivalasa Jute Mill, which was closed 10 years ago after announcing lockout. The mill is one of the oldest composite jute mills in the state located at Tagarapuvalasa in the district.

Addressing media here on Monday, CPM state secretary Ch Narasingha Rao said the Chittivalasa Jute mill management had announced lockout in 2009.

Now the jute mill management representative KK Bajoria joined hands with HRD minister Ganta Srinivas Rao and chalked out plans to dispose the 70 acres of land worth Rs 700 crores under the real estate business, he alleged.

Even there is a scope for government to invest Rs 60 crores and reopen the jute mill in three months period by providing employment for 6,000 people, the government is not coming forward, he alleged.

He took serious objections over the government’s policy in inviting corporates to set up new units in the state, while at the same time not taking any interest in re-open the closed units. 

He demanded payment of Rs 149.09 crore in wage arrears to workers and compensation to retired workers. As the Centre encouraging jute products in the country instead of plastics usage, the government should take steps for reopen all the closed jute mills in north Andhra districts.

The Left party leaders demanded that the state government realise the importance of jute production and reopen 10 closed jute mills in the district.