RUBBER-BASED INDUSTRI WORKERS FACING AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE

   At least 20,000 workers in rubber-based industries across the state are face an uncertain future with unprecedented rise in natural rubber price threatening the existence of around 800 industrial units.
   There are around 800 rubber based industries in the state, mostly tread rubber, registered with the Rubber Board and hundreds of the small units operate with out registration. Each of these  registered units would employ between 20 and 25 people.
    Natural rubber price had crossed the Rs 200-mark in the domestic market. Rubber industries were among the traditional industries in the state that had taken the brunt of the spiraling price of raw materials. Frequent hike in patrol price had just added to the woes of the small units. The small rubber-based units had no option but to wind up in the face of continued price. The government must take a more sympathetic view of the situation.

 Prof.JohnKurakar