AITUC cadres along with a private paper mill workers staging a demonstration in front of the Collectorate in Dindigul on Monday.
| Photo Credit: G. KARTHIKEYAN
All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) staged a protest in front of Dindigul Collectorate on Monday urging the State government to take over and run the closed Dhanalakshmi Paper Mill located in the district, taking into account the welfare of the workers.The members said the paper mill which was operating for many years in the Vilampatti area has remained closed for the past 24 months. Although the management claims that the mill was shut down due to a dispute, the workers alleged the mill was earning a profit.When the mill was closed, the management failed to address workers’ issues. No benefits were provided to them. The members submitted a petition to the Collector in this regard.The members said when the mill was first established, the local residents welcomed it. It provided employment opportunities to the people of the region. Permission was also granted to utilise water from the Vaigai River.Even when the mill was generating profit, the management closed the paper mill. As a result, 1,500 to 2,000 workers from around 400 families have been directly affected. Given the lack of agricultural activity or any alternatives, the workers are currently facing a severe livelihood crisis, they said.In order to resolve the issue and address the plight of the workers, AITUC urged the State government to intervene in the matter. The members urged the government to conduct negotiations to facilitate the reopening of the paper mill and if it failed then the State government itself should take over and manage the paper mill, they said.The members said if their demands were not met, they would intensify the protests. Published - May 18, 2026 09:52 pm IST
