India : Govt., TDB criticised for labour unrest at Sabarimala
Development works hit; ABASS alleges neglect of temple affairs
The Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sanghom (ABASS) has expressed concern at the “studied silence” on the part of the government and
the Travancore Devaswom Board towards the trade union issue that has hindered goods transportation from Pampa to the Sannidhanam from July 27.
All major development works as part of the Sabarimala Master Plan at the holy hillock have come to a standstill.
The works on the Annadana Mandapam, Darshan Complex, and the laying of sewer line to the modern sewage treatment plant have been hit, with the trade unions demanding the right to unload building materials at Pampa.
The CITU, BMS, and INTUC have demanded that workers in the nearby villages of Attathode and Naranamthode should also be permitted to work at Sabarimala.
ABASS national vice president D.Vijayakumar said the government was neglecting Sabarimala affairs. He cautioned the government and the TDB that their indifferent attitude would only help in converting the pilgrim centre into a land of agitation.
Mr. Vijayakumar said trade unionism should not be permitted at Sabarimala. Those willing to work as per the terms and conditions fixed by the TDB could work at Sabarimala too, he said.
He said the government and the TDB should take stern action against those hindering development works at Sabarimala. Mr. Vijayakumar said the judiciary should intervene in the matter as the State and the temple authority had failed to take steps to address the issue.
Meeting called
Meanwhile, District Labour Officer Gopakumar toldThe Hinduthat he had called a meeting of trade union leaders and the TDB Executive Officer at his office in Pathanamthitta on Friday to sort out the issue.