Port Blair, Nov. 30: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma today called on the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) and highlighted some genuine grievances of employees of Government Saw Mill Betapur, Middle Andaman Forest Division & Chatham Saw Mill.

During the meeting the Member of Parliament informed the PCCF that during his visit to Betapur saw mill on 29.11.2022 the employees of the establishment met him and brought some of their genuine grievances in his notice.

He pointed out that a dispensary was functioning within the saw mill for a long time but about two years back the pharmacist posted at the dispensary retired and no substitute has been posted in place of the retired pharmacist till now. Because of this, the dispensary has been kept closed.

In emergency cases for medical care /injuries sustained during duty hours the needy workmen has to travel about 22 km from sawmill to CHC Rangat or 12 Km to the PHC Billiground.

The Member of Parliament demanded immediate arrangements to post a pharmacist in the saw mill and revoke the function of the dispensary of Betapur Saw mill.

He also demanded to replace all machineries which are in use in the GSM Betapur with new ones to avoid mishaps during its operation by the employees of the saw mill. 

While pointing out the need of filling up the vacant posts of Betapur saw mill and Chatham Saw Mill, he informed that there are many vacant posts like Mechanical Fitter, Assistant Fitter, Sawyer, Assistant Sawyer, Grader, Carpenter, Assistant Carpenter, Dogger, Assistant saw filer, Grinder and Mazdoor in these two Saw Mills.

He requested to fill up the posts as soon as possible.

The Member of Parliament also demanded to repair and repaint all the five labour barracks of Haddo as soon as possible.

He demanded to provide a mini RO plant in the premises of the saw mill to cater the need of drinking water to the workmen and other staff of the saw mill.