Shifting of Pepsico chips plant figures in Punjab assembly

Chandigarh, Sep 5 (UNI) The decision of Pepsico to shift its operations at its potato chips manufacturing plant from Punjab to Pune due an employees strike figured prominently in the state assembly today.

Highlighting the issue during zero hour, Brahm Mohindra (Cong) said that it was a matter of concern for Punjab it would send a wrong signal to those who intend to invest in the border state. He demanded that the state government should stop the MNC from shifting to Pune and an inquiry should be ordered.

Mr Mohindra pointed out that the striking employees of the company at the plant in Chano village in Sangrur were sacked and even beaten up by truck operators. He demanded that the company immediately take back the employees.

Pepsico was given land at subsidised rates by the government and after making huge profits, the MNC all of a sudden has decided to shift, he said while alleging that it was a pre-planned move of the company to move out of Punjab. " Certain self interests seem to be involved", he claimed.

The company should not be permitted to move out unless it has a valid reason and a probe should be ordered, the member added.

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