The recent violent riot at the Manesar plant of Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has been condemned by the India Inc. The association of automotive component manufacturers stated that the incident will have a negative influence on the investment possibilities and growth opportunities throughout the country.
President, Automotive Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), Arvind Kapur, said, “While the entire Indian economy is passing through turbulent times, the automotive industry has been a beacon of hope for industrial growth and job creation in the country.” He further added, “There should be a conducive business environment, which is mutually beneficial for the growth and development of both the employers and the employees.”
Another industry body that raised a strong voice against the whole mishap is the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), which suggested that the state government must take strong actions against those who were responsible for the event.
Chairman, CII, Northern Region, Malvinder Singh, said, “CII strongly recommends that state of Haryana should administer this effectively and enforce law and order so that such incidence would not be repeated.”
The central government of Japan too expressed negative sentiments about the whole incident and showed its disappointment with the workers, blaming them for the riots. According to a statement issued by Japanese embassy, “We strongly hope that the state of Haryana would administer, according to law, prompt and just punishment to the perpetrators and effectively enforce law and order so that such incidence would not be repeated in the future.”
The strong response from the Japanese government is mainly because of the fact that Maruti happens to be a subsidiary of Japanese car maker, Suzuki Corporation. The statement issued from the embassy stated that they are hoping for the quick recovery of operations and prevalence of normalcy at the Manesar plant.
The state government of Haryana has already put in place a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the whole matter. Police has arrested around 99 workers involved in the case, on the grounds of murder and attempt to murder, among others.
At present, the Manesar plant has an average daily production capacity of 1,200 units, which is exclusively designed to manufacture the diesel models. However, the production has been shut-down, following the clash at its premises. Earlier in 2011 too, the plant suffered unrest due to the labour strikes, which left the car maker with heavy losses. Later in the beginning of November same year, after being levied heft penalties, the union leaders resigned from the company, making the situation unfavourable for the company. The existing Maruti Suzuki Worker's Union came into existence in March, 2011 and is leaded by Rameshwar Singh. As of now, the car maker should only hope that it does not suffer the same fate as it did in 2011.
