Did 'Wrong' Policies of Congress Lead to Cotton Mills' Closure in MP?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mohan Yadav blames Congress policies for cotton farmers' struggles.
- The establishment of PM MITRA Park aims to revive the cotton industry.
- Over six lakh farmers could benefit from this initiative.
- Many prominent mills have shut down, leaving thousands unemployed.
- Government plans to address legal disputes related to mills.
Bhopal, Sep 18 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, claimed on Thursday that the misguided policies of the Congress regimes have resulted in significant losses for farmers engaged in cotton cultivation within the state.
Yadav pointed out that the persistent rise in the cost of cotton production led to many farmers abandoning cotton farming, which in turn triggered the closure of numerous mills throughout the state.
He stated, “The misguided policies during the Congress regimes were responsible for the shutdown of cotton mills. Lakhs of workers lost their jobs. However, the establishment of the 'MP MITRA Park' in Dhar brings a glimmer of hope for the revival of our cotton industry.”
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that more than six lakh farmers cultivating cotton in districts such as Ujjain, Indore, Gwalior, Ratlam, and others will reap benefits once India’s inaugural Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park is operational.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the 'PM MITRA Park' during his visit to Dhar on Wednesday.
Yadav added, “Once farmers see good returns from their production, other crop cultivators will also be encouraged to follow suit.”
“This initiative will make Madhya Pradesh self-sufficient in the cotton sector,” he reiterated.
Several notable mills, particularly two in the Malwa region, Hukumchand Mill in Indore and Binod Mill in Ujjain, ceased operations in 1991, leaving thousands of workers jobless and facing wage struggles for years.
The renowned J. C. Mills in Gwalior, established in 1921, also faced closure, affecting over 16,000 laborers.
Numerous legal disputes between mill owners and employees remain unsettled in the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
The state government is a party to these cases, as the land used by these mills is government-owned.
Significantly, last November, Chief Minister Yadav announced that the state government would petition the High Court to resolve all mill-related cases, and in some instances, the government has reclaimed its land.