Chief Minister of Haryana, Bhoopinder Singh Hooda, has denied the possibility of Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) to shift its production base from his state to any other part of the country. He expressed that the Manesar plant, which is currently being lockout, is expected to commence operations soon. Adding further to the statement, he said, “They (Maruti Suzuki) are going to start it (Manesar plant) as early as possible.”
Hooda also said that Haryana is not being plagued by any sort of serious industrial relation problems or labour unrest. He further said that the management of MSIL has clarified that they are not shifting their base to any other state. This is when the state witnessed violent trade union reaction at Honda two-wheeler plant in past and the riot at Manesar plant, which claimed life of an executive and left many others in state of injury.
Hooda further added, “They (Maruti Suzuki) can expand their facilities in other areas as per their requirement but they will not shift the Manesar plant. That is what I am told by Maruti officials and as Maruti has itself clarified and will go by only what the company says.”
However, the top management at MSIL have hinted towards possible urban naxalite presence in the industrial region of the state. Echoing the sentiments, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki, R.C. Bhargava demanded explanation as to why else would any worker vandalise the place where he works. At the same time he asserted that the company is satisfied with the steps taken by the state government, which included putting together a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the whole matter. Though he refuted the allegations of naxalite presence in the state and insisted there are other reasons behind the arson.
Stating that the Manesar plant incident was a rarity, he said that Haryana state boasts of an overall crime rate and man-hour loss, which is the lowest among other states of the country. He pointed out the fact that with every second two-wheeler and four-wheelers being produced in the state, Haryana has gained the status of an automobile hub. Speaking of per capita investment, per capita income, wheat and milk productivity, industries, education and sports, the state has emerged as a leader over last 7-8 years.
