CM urges Centre to defer decision on skull mark'on beedi

Chennai, May 6: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today urged the Union Government to defer the decision to introduce 'skull mark' on the beedi packets as a large number of beedi workers were in a state of disappointment, and it had caused confusion among lakh of beedi workers.

In his letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramdoss, Mr Karuanidhi pointed out that about 15 lakh beedi workers were in a state of disappointment and despair over an order of the Government insisting on 'skull symbol' on the beedi packets.

The Chief Minister said production of beedis has been stopped and there was a threat of an indefinite strike in the industry from June one next.

He said the point advanced that manufacturing cost is higher in Tamil Nadu than in other states, wages paid to the beedi workers is higher in the state and the new Union Government order will push the production cost, deserves serious consideration.

While smoking is to be discouraged by all means, as the new order had caused confusion among lakhs of beedi workers, and requested them to to defer the decision to introduce skull mark and protect the livelihood of lakhs of families of beedi workers, he added.

UNI