Anomalies in PF: Tea workers' body seeks DC's intervention

From a Correspondent

Dibrugarh, Dec 24: The general secretary of Assam Tea Workers’ Union (ATWU) Isak Karkaria, as a reminder to the matter of non-settlement of Provident Fund, Gratuity and pension benefits of 65 former workers of Saurabh Tea Estate for more than six years, has submitted a letter to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) MS Manivann, seeking his intervention to settle the grievances of the deprived workers.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner, has forwarded a copy bearing Reference No- ATW -1/2015, which bears a self-explatory letter regarding settlement of PF of Saurabh TE workers who are fighting a legal battle since the last 12 years, to the office of the Assistant Labour Commissioner. Manivann has asked the Assistant Labour Commissioner to look into the matter and take necessary action accordingly, and thereby submitting a letter of intimation to his office, regarding the aforesaid anomalies in the settlement of Provident Fund of the workers.

Earlier, the ATWU had shown grim apprehension and anguish over non-deposit of the provident fund and had called upon the State Government to take steps into the fincial irregularities and provide relief to the tea workers. The organization even cautioned both the State Government and the tea magement of severe protests if the authorities concerned fail to grant fincial succor to the workers.