Respite for state brick-kilns running with old technology

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 6

Giving much-needed respite to brick-kiln owners in the state, the Cabinet today approved that all brick-kilns in the state can operate, both with old and new zig-zag technology, till September 30, 2019, and there was no ban on firing of bricks at kilns with old technology.

Welcoming the decision taken by the state government, Ramesh Mohi, president of Ludhiana Brick-kiln Association, said it was a much-needed decision. “We had suffered major losses in the past few years and then the kilns with old technology were not allowed to operate. A majority of kilns are running in losses as just about 500 owners have upgraded their units. Members of the association met Cabinet minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, apprised him of the entire situation and he understood our plight. He took up the matter at the Cabinet. We are thankful to all. Had these kilns been closed, lakhs of labourers would have been rendered unemployed and the rate of bricks would have sky-rocketed,” said Mohi.

At the same time, the state government has asked the kilns running with old technology to pay Rs 25,000 per month to the state exchequer till September.

Another kiln owner said they would not mind paying this amount to the state because much respite had been given to the kilns in Punjab. He said there was another group (with zig-zag technology) which never wanted all kilns to operate, just to make sure that bricks became dearer and they made huge profits.