Despite being away from the heat and dust of politics, ND Tiwari, the only Chief Minister who has completed his full term in office, has not yet ceased to be concerned about the state of things of Uttarakhand.
It was evident from the fact that he sent his representative, his PRO Harendra Queera to look into the dragging imbroglio plaguing the HMT factory at Ranibagh, Haldwani. Queera said the veteran leader had taken the matter up with the President of India, the Prime Minister and Union Industry Minister to evolve a solution to the problem. The employees have been staging stir for the past 124 days, protesting against the Central Government’s decision to shut down this public sector giant. The envoy of the ex-CM talked to the agitating employees here on Monday.
Queera informed them that Tiwari was behind them on the cause they are fighting for, said KS Rawat, media in-charge of the HMT Sanyukt Sangharshsheel Morcha. He said they were feeling enthused with the veteran leader having taken up their cause with at the topmost level.
Mention worthy, Tiwari was instrumental in establishing the HMT unit here at Ranibagh in 1982 during his tenure as a Union Heavy Industry Minister in Indira Gandhi’s Cabinet. later, then Prime Minister Rajeev Gandhi, inaugurated it in 1985.
At a time when the Government of India is pitching for ‘Make in India’ to give the much-needed push to the sluggish industrial sector, it is intent on shuttering down the HMT factory here, regretted the agitating employees.
Aside from demanding revival of the unit, they have been demanding clearance of salaries due since April 2014 and restoration of power snapped years back.
There are over 500 employees presently working at the HMT factory. They have warned to step up stir in the coming days if their demands are not addressed. End.
