INDORE: Industrialists and trade unions came together to press for their demand of ESIC hospital and social infrastructure development at Pithampur — state’s largest industrial belt — at a meeting with state labour minister Mahendra Singh Sisodia on Monday.Sisodia on Monday held separate meetings with trade unions and industrialists at Pithampur.Pithampur Audhyogik Sangathan president Gautam Kothari said, “Health facility is pathetic in Pithampur. In case of emergency, people have to rush to Indore for treatment. Employees and employers of Pithampur contribute crores of rupees every month for ESIC but still there is no hospital in the region.”Demand for a full-fledged hospital, public transportation for workforce travelling to Pithampur and skill development courses were some of major demands put in front of the minister.Sisodia has ensured industry representatives that their concerns should be taken care of and their demands will put before chief minister.He has also suggested creation of a separate medical treatment fund for employees of Pithampur that can be used in emergency situations.Kothari said that industry representatives have also demanded that social infrastructure should be developed in the region so that people can reduce travel time and attrition rate in the region.Pithampur houses over 1,500 units and generates over Rs 100 crore revenue per annum, according to the association.Dinesh Mishra, corporate affairs head at a packaging industry operating from SEZ said, “There is a dearth of skilled man power in the region. The government should focus on providing skill development courses and trainings so that industries can get desired work force.”According to industries, they have spent hefty amount in getting skilled workers from out of the state.Trade Union Coordination Committee convener Shyam Sundar Yadav said, “We need some changes in labour law to ensure labour peace and more opportunities for direct conversation with company management. The last government made few changes in the law that restricted reach of trade unions to management.”Over 200 workers and representatives of trade unions were present in the meeting with the minister.Trade unions have also demanded that transport facilities for women, who are assigned night shifts, be provided by government to ensure their safety.Trade unions also said that workers of Hukumchand Mill have still not received their compensation despite high court orders.

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