SIAM demands quick inquiry into Maruti's Manesar violence

Backing Maruti Suzuki India, automobile industry body SIAM today asked the Haryana government to conclude inquiry into July 18 violence at the Manesar plant at the earliest saying delays would only "embolden the unruly elements".

Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) said its Executive Committee which met on July 25 discussed the recent developments in Maruti and felt such incident vitiate the investment climate and damage the overall image of the country as an investment destination.

"Government should conclude the enquiries on the Maruti incident at the earliest in a free and fair manner and the guilty should be brought to justice and punished severely," SIAM said in a statement.

Absence of quick and severe action by government and police or any "delays in bringing the guilty to justice will only embolden the unruly elements and give them courage to resorting to violence in future also", it added.

A senior official of Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) was killed and 100 others were injured in the violence and arson that erupted on July 18 following altercation between a shop floor worker and a supervisor.

Haryana had set up a special investigation team headed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Ravinder Tomar to probe the incident and has so far arrested about 100 people.

SIAM further said: "Government should ensure the safety of the employees working in industry by effectively enforcing law and order and by creating a peaceful work environment."

The industry body said violence of any kind cannot be allowed to be used as a means for forcing a decision.

"The mechanism for collective bargaining laid down by the laws of the land involving peaceful discussions and negotiations is the only acceptable mechanism," it added.

Asking for strong action against the culprits, it said: "The central as well as state governments need to send this strong message to the entire industrial community – workers, unions as well as to the managements."

Stating that the existing labour laws are antiquated and require major reforms, SIAM also said the Centre needs to urgently conduct a detailed review by involving all stakeholders in the revision and modernisation of the labour policies.

"Members also felt that the recent developments in relation to labour behavior are creating an atmosphere which is not conducive for development of the industry," SIAM said.

Incidents like these are noticed globally by industry as well as investors, thereby vitiating the investment climate and damaging the overall image of the country as an investment destination, it added.