Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually participated in the ‘Mazdooron Ka Hit Mazdooron ko Samarpit’ program in Indore on Monday, where he handed over cheques worth approximately Rs 224 crore to Hukumchand Mill workers. The event, organized on the occasion of ‘Good Governance Day,’ marked a significant step towards fulfilling the long-standing dues of the workers.
During the program, PM Modi acknowledged the determination of the workers and congratulated them on the occasion. He highlighted the significance of the day, which also coincided with the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
“I am happy that today is the birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, but my first public program in the new BJP government in the state for poor workers and participating in it is a matter of satisfaction for me,” stated PM Modi.
The Hukumchand Mill workers had been engaged in a prolonged legal battle for the settlement of their dues since the closure of the mill in 1992. The recent positive intervention of the state government led to a negotiated settlement package approved by all stakeholders, including courts, labour unions, and mill workers. As part of the settlement, the Madhya Pradesh government will pay all dues upfront, acquire possession of the mill land, and develop it into a residential and commercial space.
PM Modi expressed his joy at the resolution of the issue, stating, “I know you have faced several difficulties. But now, you have a bright future. People of Indore will remember Dec 25 as the day when the workers got justice.”
In addition to the payout, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for a 60 MW solar power plant in Khargone district, a project initiated by the Indore Municipal Corporation. The solar power plant is expected to save Rs 4 crore in electricity bills.
Highlighting Indore’s environmental initiatives, PM Modi mentioned the operation of Asia’s largest Gobar-Dhan (Bio-CNG) Plant and the rapid development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the city. The initiatives position cities like Indore as examples of balancing environmental sustainability with development.