Coimbatore, 6 Jan (KNN) On Wednesday, the workers of National Textile Corporation Mills protested demanding re-opening of the closed mills.

As per media reports, since the lockdown imposed during the second wave the mills had remained closed which has adversely impacted over 20,000 workers of across India in 23 Public Sector Mills under the ambit of Ministry of Textile, Government of India. 

According to Sachin Mohan Ahir, Chairman of Save NTC movement workers were paid just 50 per cent of their basic wages and DA.

He said, “As many as 23 trade unions have joined hands to demand the Central government to reopen the mills. The workers are willing to work. Funds are available. But, the Central Government does not want to run the mills.”

Calling out the Ministry of Textiles about not disclosing its plans, he said, there are about 600 acres of land sitting idle with the mills and these can be monetised to plough in resources to revive the mills.

“The Maharashtra Chief Minister is willing to lead a delegation of Chief Ministers to meet the Prime Minister to highlight the need to restart the mills,” he added.

On 26th January 2022, the trade unions will be hoisting black flags at NTC offices after the hoisting of national flag to highlight the urgency of the matter, he said.

Subsequently a demonstration will be staged in Kerala next month, followed by protests in Ahmedabad.