Footwear Manufacturers Protest against Unscientific and Mandatory BIS Norms

KOZHIKODE:
In solidarity with the ongoing nationwide protest against the central government’s unscientific and illogical BIS implementation in the footwear sector, footwear manufacturers of Kerala organised a Dharna at Nallalam in Kozhikode.

The protest was under the banner of MSME Footwear Sector Action Council and inaugurated by its Chairman, VKC Razak at Nallalam Industrial Centre. The footwear manufacturers and workers are on strike in countries major footwear hubs such as Agra in UP and Jalandhar in Panjab.

“The mandatory BIS licensing is a huge blow to micro and small-scale footwear manufacturers in the country. The same standard set for shoes priced at Rs 300 and Rs 15,000 is completely irrational,” said VKC Razak. Compliance with BIS norms require huge investment. If not establish own lab and plan to depend on outside labs for testing will incur huge cost ranging from 43000 to 72000 depending on the product manufactured – he added.

Convener Babu Maliekal presided. KSSIA State Vice President AV Sunilnath, CIFI Kerala Chapter Chairman PP Musammil and FOOMA President M Rajith, KSSIA District President M Abdurrahiman and FDDC Director KPA Hashim also spoke.