Cashew nut processing mills defy lockdown

If you are thinking to defy the safety norms during the lockdown imposed by the government, take a look at this. You might get some help!

Some cashew nut processing mills in the Koraput district of Odisha continue to engage workers in large numbers thereby exposing them to the risk even after the State Government has enforced strict social distancing norms and other precautionary measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The labourers are being brought in jeeps and vans to the mills in the morning and dropped at their houses in the evening.

At least 10 women are brought in one vehicle and this goes unchecked by police.

44 cashew nut processing units are present in the district and most of them employ women labourers from Jeypore, Kundra, Koraput, Dasmantpur, Boipariguda, Kotpad and Semiliguda.

More than 4,000 women labourers are engaged every day by these cashew nut processing units and this has posed a serious challenge for the government.

There is no special arrangement for the washing of their hands nor social distancing made mandatory in the mill.

Most of the mills operate near the villages which makes it easier for the owners to get labourers and also escape the vigil of administration.
Strict action will be taken against the owners of cashew processing units who keep their mills open from Tuesday midnight.