Komaram Bheem Asifabad District, Kagaznagar: At the Sirpur Paper Mills (JK Paper) in Kagaznagar, serious allegations are surfacing against the management for allegedly exploiting workers despite the factory running in profits. Workers are accusing the company of denying their rightful bonus and failing to provide basic amenities and safety—leading, at times, to fatal accidents.
Since its reopening in 2018, workers claim the mill has consistently shortchanged them on bonuses, giving only ₹10,000 to ₹16,000 to around 700 permanent and contract employees—far below the mandatory 8.33% minimum bonus stipulated under labor laws. Despite the mill reportedly operating profitably and benefiting from crores worth of government subsidies and incentives, workers allege that they’re being denied their fair share of the earnings.
Shocking Working Conditions
The situation inside the mill is reportedly dire. There is no canteen, no proper safety protocols, and a history of frequent accidents. In tragic incidents where workers have lost their lives, compensation to the victims’ families is said to have been settled secretly and unofficially, without transparency.
Adding to worker frustration, a four-year agreement was recently signed—allegedly by a management-aligned workers’ committee—which also eliminated four paid holidays. Workers have strongly condemned the agreement, saying the committee does not represent them. “This isn’t a workers’ committee—it’s a puppet in the hands of the management,” a worker said angrily.
Political Influence and Local Silence
Several political leaders are reportedly shareholders in the mill, which workers say explains the deafening silence from local politicians. “These leaders have taken packages and now won’t even set foot near the mill,” alleged one worker spokesperson.
Workers question why the government, which gives away subsidies worth crores, does not intervene to ensure even basic justice for the labor force. They warn that continued inaction could soon turn the mill into a hotbed of labor unrest once again, like in previous years.
Workers Demand Action
The workers are calling on the Labor Department to immediately conduct union recognition elections, as the current system does not reflect their voices. They say without urgent steps from authorities, the situation could spiral into a full-blown conflict.
“If justice isn’t served soon, this mill will once again become the epicenter of labor agitation,” workers warned.
