Kerala-wide inspection of textile shops soon

KOZHIKODE: Following the  several complaints received from employees working in the textile sector,  the Vigilance is  set to intensify  statewide raids on the  textile shops.  The recent raids conducted on  three major textile shops in the city had brought to light the  poor condition  of employees,  especially women working in this  sector, who are even denied basic facilities.   

The Fire and Safety officials, who were also part of the raid,  pointed out that all the norms of fire and safety were flouted in these multi- storied buildings selling garments.  The labour and health departments and local body officials also  prepared a detailed report to be given to the state vigilance commissioner and other officials.

Deputy Superintendent Vigilance K. Ashwakumar said, “it was after the Vigilance department received more than 100 complaints from employees working in major textile centres in the state that  a decision was  made  to inspect the working condition of employees”. The employees lack  toilet facilities,  resting place,  and  denied the right to work peacefully affecting their health.  A  detailed inspection will be conducted  in the textile shops and quick action will be taken against erring centres,  he  said.

Mr Arun Basker,  Fire and Rescue Services assistant divisional officer north zone, said, “the inspection has exposed the lack of safety standards in the mushrooming high-rise buildings in the city and the obsolete fire- fighting and rescue equipment with the Kerala Fire and Rescue Service.”  These buildings  did not have any fire safety equipment like pumps  and three-phase electricity connection  though they all had the NOC from the department, he added.