Over 40 chemical cos in Roha observe token lock-out

Mumbai, Apr 18 (UNI) Over 40 chemical companies at Roha in Raigad district of Maharashtra today observed a single day token lock-out, protesting the 'atrocities' of local politicians.

A group of chemical industrialists will soon meet state Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh to discuss their grievances in this regard, Sudarshan chemicals Chairman Kishor L Rathi told newspersons here.

The chemical companies in Roha were victims of regular threats from local politicians, Mr Rathi alleged adding that they force the companies to employ people recommended by them, who hardly come to work and want to be paid on a regular basis.

Mr Rathi said complaints had been lodged several times against the local leaders, but no administrative action has been taken so far.

''Moreover, the chemical companies have been entangled in 'fractured political leadership' as no one is holding the responsibility to help us out,'' Mr Rathi asserted.

The industry in the area was also facing the challenge of restricted expansions, he added.

UNI PP NM SP PM1733