SEZ Authorities Failing to Convey Causes for Frequent Accidents
Visakhapatnam: Following the major accident at the Escientia Advanced Sciences Private Limited within the Atchutapuram SEZ, there is a growing concern among employees and workers within the special economic zone, apart from neighbouring communities, that accidents are not only recurring but have become frequent.
There is a fear spreading in and around the Atchutapuram SEZ. The perception is growing that local authorities are lax in ensuring that the management of these companies strictly adheres to the safety norms and drills.
Departments in the SEZ are being accused of being ineffective. It is surprising that despite the loss of 17 lives at Escientia, the company has not yet released an official statement about the incident. This has led to speculations about the clout and affiliations of its owners.
According to the records of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, directors of Escientia Advanced Sciences Pharma Company are Pendri Yadagiri Reddy, Pendri Kiran Reddy, Dandu Chakradhar, Ajith Alexander George and Vivek Vasanth Save. Korada Srinivasa Rao is the CFO (chief financial officer).
Deccan Chronicle contacted Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) Anakapalli zonal manager K. Hari Prasada Rao. He said companies of this type are allotted land provided they create employment opportunities. APIIC continuously monitors whether the promoters fulfil their commitments. The infrastructure corporation, however, has no information about the operational activities within the factory, as this information falls outside their jurisdiction.
Many workers believe the Anakapalli labour department should investigate whether the units established in the SEZ are really concerned about their employees’ welfare and safety. When DC contacted Anakapalli district deputy commissioner of labour K. Vasantha Rao, he said, “Our task is only to ensure that staff working in the SEZ receive aid on time when there is an accident or death.”
Vasantha Rao maintained that the inspector of factories visits these companies to address safety matters.
When Deccan Chronicle asked deputy chief inspector of factories Chinna Rao what inspections they carry out in such factories, he said, “We usually look at the headcount of how many workers are employed in such companies. We think there is no problem as long as the headcount matches. Even when fatal accidents happen, we see the headcount of how many workers are dead and how many are injured. We check fire protection and electricity systems inside the company. But these checks are subject to the Ease of Doing Business rules.”
Chinna Rao said factory inspectors from outside districts carry out the inspections.
Incidentally, reports given by official committees in accidents like that at Escientia are largely not made available to staff who work in these factories.
Workers employed in the Atchutapuram SEZ are now more nervous. They are continuing to work, as they have no alternative.
