Maruti Suzuki India faced one of its worst nightmares at its Manesar plant on 19th July 2012. It was a dark day in the history of Indian industry when a group of management employees were violently attacked by an agitated mob in the manufacturing facility which claimed the life of one employee and left many other badly injured.
Sharp reactions have come from all parts of society and industry against this barbaric incident and many Industrial bodies have also condemned this action of violence. In official statement released by National HRD Network, an organization representing the HR professionals in India, they have strongly deplored the act of violence and the senseless killing of a member of the fraternity at Maruti Suzuki India.
According to Mr. Prince Augustin, National Secretary, NHRD Network,
“At NHRD Network we strongly condemn such deplorable acts of violence. In fact we are extremely concerned at the increasing frequency of such incidents in the recent past, be it at Pricol, or Madras Cements or Regency Ceramics or Honda Motorcycle. Such incidents would have a severe impact on the brand equity of India, and also impact long-term competitiveness of Indian industry.”
In another official release by Employers’ Federation of India, a joint press statement has been issued by multiple bodies as listed below:
- EFI – Employers Federation of India
- CII – Confederation of Indian Industry
- FICCI – Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
- ASSOCHAM – Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India
- NHRDN – National Human Resource Development Network
- AIOE – All India Organization of Employers
- SCOPE – Standing Conference of Public Enterprises
- NIPM – National Institute of Personnel Management
The joint press statement is as below:
We strongly condemn the tragic and barbaric killing of Awanish Kumar Dev in the Maruti factory at Manesar, a mindless act which has shocked the conscience of the nation. Awanish died at his post, and many others were injured, while at work- a conduct which was beyond the call of duty.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to his wife Suparna and his other family members, and our best wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured. While pledging our solidarity to do all that is in our power to ensure that such tragedies do not recur, we also want to place on record our commitment to work with the concerned authorities in ensuring that the investigations are conducted quickly and in a fair manner, and the guilty are brought to book under the laws of the land.
The killing of Awanish Kumar Dev and the accompanying violence, will remain a blot on the country’s image and, going forward, every Indian should endeavour to ensure that such barbaric acts are never repeated.
The progressive work culture in India’s shop floors has been admired worldwide, and India’s reputation as an investment destination must be protected.
Statement from Mr. Sharad Patil, Secretary General, EFI:
“EFI condemns violence in any form as a means of settling a grievance. There is an urgent need to co-create a Charter on Employee Relations through an eco-system comprising Employers, Employees, Trade Unions, Government and Civil Society to ensure a violence free workplace.”
