labor and production
The DMK government’s move to amend the Factories Act, 1948 to increase the daily working hours for labor – it is now stalled – is not worthy of what has been called the ‘Dravidian model of governance’. Development economist Jean Dreze has categorically stated that the Tamil Nadu government did not consult the Economic Advisory Council, a matter of concern (‘Tamil Nadu’, April 26). Viewed from a human perspective, such an idea undermines intrinsic human value and violates hard-earned labor rights. Labor laws should not be against the interests of the working classes. Excessive work cannot be justified in the name of speeding up production. The need to attract investment or promote manufacturing cannot be met at the cost of health and dignity. Workers who make a living by their labor should not be made victims of profit-making by employers (read greedy corporate giants).
G David Milton,
Maruthankode, Tamil Nadu
Prakash Singh Badal
An era has come to an end in the contemporary political history of Punjab with the death of Parkash Singh Badal (Inside Pages, April 26). The secret of his political standing lies in his tremendous grassroots connect with the common worker, which cemented his credentials as a mass leader. He was respected across the political spectrum, and his contribution to society and his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people of Punjab will be remembered for years to come. The truth is that
He belonged to a class of politicians which is difficult to find in today’s era.
Ramesh Ji Jethwani,
Bangalore
garbage disposal
I have been living near Arunachal in Tiruvannamalai for 30 years – a period which has seen the Girivallam road being converted from a mud road to an asphalt road which is very well maintained especially during full moon when lakhs People go to that place. However, there is the issue of garbage collection. Waste is being disposed of in a lake near a granite quarry, which is close to where I live. Garbage disposal in water body is unwise. We live west of a mountain, where there is no proper place for garbage.
Apparently the District Magistrate has asked the Tehsildar to provide space for garbage disposal, but no mind has been put into the way the garbage disposal is being done.
There needs to be a proper dumpsite; Already a site has been planned, but action is not taking place. Modern facilities are needed on site to enable composting, recycling and even burning of waste with an incinerator.
jens ruff,
Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu