Report from Shri. Gireesh S, General Secretary, BEML Employees Association
The 400th day of the indefinite strike by workers against the sale of the national security establishment BEML was inaugurated by CPIM district secretary Com. Suresh Babu. In his inaugural address, he said that the sale of BEML, a national security establishment, was treasonous. He further said that there is huge corruption behind selling BEML for just Rs 1000 crore, which in reality has assets worth Rs 56,000 crore. CITU state committee member Com. S. B. Raju was the chairman for the meeting.
AILRSA All India Joint General Secretary of All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA) K. C. James, Padmini Teacher, Vasant Kumar, S Gopalan LC Secretary Walayar, Chokanathan N and Subhash spoke in support of the strike.
Other office bearers of the AILRSA were present in this meeting showing their solidarity with the BEML workers. AILRSA Zonal Vice President Shri. P. Vijayakumar donated Rs 34,100 to the BEML Samara Sahaya Fund (Fund to help the BEML strike).
CITU Puducherry Division Secretary Com. K. Suresh gave the welcome speech. BEML Employees Association General Secretary Shri. Gireesh. S. gave the thanks giving speech.
About BEML
The Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. (BEML) is an important PSU in the Defence Sector. It was hived from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. in 1964 with the objective of catering to the requirement of defence, and has been of paramount importance to the Defence sector.
It has been a profit-making PSU since its inception in 1964 and hence has been classified as a Mini Ratna Category-1 PSU. BEML has three manufacturing units in Mysuru, Bengaluru and Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) in the state of Karnataka, and one in Palakkad, Kerala. BEML has established modern R & D Labs and business offices throughout India. BEML current orderbook is over Rs. 10,000 Crores including defence orders.
BEML works closely with other defence PSUs in producing missile launchers, tanks, advanced reconnaissance vehicles, heavy duty trucks, aircraft weapon loading trolleys, aircraft towing tractors, etc. It also supplies dozers, excavators, loaders for defence border roads besides mining equipment to coal companies.
(by AIFAP team)
