Who will save the industrialists of Sachin GIDC in Surat from blackmailing, liaisoning, and bribery?

Surat is an industrial hub of Gujarat, home to key industrial estates like Sachin, Pandesara, Katargam, and Hazira. These estates host various industries, including weaving, engineering, chemicals, and dyeing-printing units. Among them, Sachin GIDC is particularly known for its dyeing, chemical, and general industries. This estate falls under the jurisdiction of the GIDC regional manager, and the local notified authority collaborates with the local association to manage infrastructure-related tasks. However, the industrialists in this estate are trapped in a vicious cycle of blackmailing, liaisoning, and government corruption, which urgently requires resolution from the Gujarat government. Unfortunately, no significant positive action has been taken by the government on this issue.

Basic Needs and Issues of Industries:

The dyeing and chemical units in Sachin GIDC primarily require a steady supply of clean water. Additionally, the disposal of chemical-laden wastewater (effluent) necessitates a Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP). These two issues consistently create challenges for industrialists. Although the local association is tasked with resolving the problems of industrialists, some of its office-bearers and local leaders often exploit these issues to blackmail industrialists.

The Cycle of Blackmailing and Extortion:

In Sachin GIDC, while association office-bearers change periodically, certain ambitious and influential individuals target industrialists. They create pressure by accusing them of water theft or improper effluent disposal. Cases of videography being used to demand extortion money have also surfaced. Filing or instigating false complaints against industrialists has become a common tactic. As a result, industrialists are forced to operate in an environment of constant fear and pressure.

This blackmailing cycle doesn’t end here. After harassing industrialists, some individuals pose as liaison agents, claiming they can negotiate with government officials. Under the guise of liaisoning, a system of bribing officials from departments like the local police, notified officers, Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), GIDC authorities, and labor commissioners begins. Such practices cause financial and mental distress to industrialists.

Allegations of Political Involvement:

Some prominent industrialists, on the condition of anonymity, have alleged that local politicians are also involved in this cycle of blackmailing and bribery. These politicians reportedly receive a share of the illicit earnings, making the issue even more serious. In such circumstances, small and medium-scale industrialists suffer the most, as they lack the financial or political clout to counter these pressures.

Impact on Gujarat’s Development Model:

Gujarat’s development model is globally renowned for its industrial progress and economic growth. Malpractices in industrial estates like Sachin GIDC can tarnish this model’s reputation. Industrialists are the ones who contribute to the state’s revenue through taxes and drive the economic prosperity of the state and the nation. If they are forced to live in fear of blackmailing, liaisoning, and bribery, how can they develop their industries and compete on a global scale?

To address this issue, the Gujarat government must take immediate and strict measures. First, the operations of GIDC authorities and the local association should be made transparent. An independent investigative agency should be established to probe complaints of blackmailing and extortion. Accountability of government officials must be enforced to curb bribery. Additionally, a secure and confidential system should be created for industrialists to lodge their complaints without fear.

The industrialists of Sachin GIDC are currently trapped in a vicious cycle of blackmailing, liaisoning, and bribery.