PDespite recent attacks on migrant workers in the different parts of the State following alleged rape of a toddler by a Bihari origin labourer in North Gujarat, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Thursday claimed that industrial peace was prevailing in Gujarat and still it was an ideal place for migrants.
Speaking at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) national executive meet at Ahmadabad, the Chief Minster said that there was zero-level unrest coupled with business friendly environment in the State. Insisting FICCI business delegates to organise conventions and conferences of their business establishments near ‘Statue of Unity’, Rupani said that industries were thriving in Gujarat due to positive atmosphere and the State Government’s business friendly policies.
It is worth mentioning that ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, Gujarat Government is slated to hold its flagship event of trade and investment — Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) in January 2019 to attract investment in the state. Rupani wants to ensure that due to scattered incidences of attacks on migrants, the image of Gujarat as business friendly state wouldn’t be tarnish.
On September 28, 2018 a 14-month-old girl was allegedly raped by a labourer belonging to Bihar. Following the incident, provoked locals attacked on Hindi-speaking labourers working in factories. The attacks spread fear on migrants workers and thousands of them fled to their respective States well ahead of Diwali holidays.
Taking the incidences seriously Gujarat Government also appointed two fast track judges in order to quickly dispose case related to rape on infant as well as attacks on innocent migrant labourers. More than 60 cases of attacks on migrant workers have been registered with the Gujarat police in different parts of the States.
Entire episode became political blame game as ruling BJP blamed on Congress MLA Alpesh Thakor for provoking locals against migrant labourers and on the other side Congress leaders claimed that the State Government failed to control the situation and as result of it thousands of migrant workers forced to flee the State.
