Irregularities in EPF, ESI detected during Baddi raid

Tribune News Service

Solan, April 18

Industry Minister Bikram Thakur on Wednesday made a surprise visit to the industrial hub of Baddi and detected irregularities in the EPF, ESI and pollution norms in various industrial units.

Thakur, addressing mediapersons later, said he visited many firms and sought records of the EPF, the PF and minimum wages where irregularities were detected. Issues like the presence of the 70 per cent Himachali youth in the industries were also enquire into in some units.

Thakur said since complaints of industries failing to abide by the laid down norms of the pollution control board were being received, water samples were lifted by the staff of the State Pollution Control Board as well as a private agency hired by him.

This would ensure that the reports were fair and the private agency had been roped in to ensure transparency.

The open burning of waste by a solid waste treatment plant also drew the ire of the minister who directed officials to take action against the plant.

Samples of treated effluents as well as sludge from the Common Effluent Treatment Plant were also taken and their lab analysis would be conducted. In the 6-hour campaign, the minister was accompanied by officials from the State Pollution Control Board, Labour Department, EPF, ESI, Industry and Mining Department.

While the day-long campaign has caused much anxiety among investors, all eyes are now focused on action taken against the offenders.

Thakur said since several irregularities had come to fore, the Chief Minister would be apprised about the findings and further action be initiated against the erring units.