Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the two Communist parties – the CPI-M and the CPI – have jointly condemned the Centre’s decision to shut down the Ordnance Clothing Factor (OCF) functioning at Avadi, Chennai, which has been manufacturing uniform for the armed personnel for the past many decades.

The parties expressed their concern about the closing down of OCF which would not only rob the employment of thousands of employees but would also prove detrimental to the State’s growth in the long run. They also advised the Centre against going overboard in privatizing Government establishments and organizations.

OCF has been functioning for the past 56 years and has been manufacturing quality uniforms for the service personnel. Centre’s proposal to close down this unique Factory would render 2,200 employees jobless. VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan has issued a hard-hitting statement against the Centre’s move in this regard.

“Ever since the BJP took over at the Centre in May, 2014, it has only been favouring Corporate Companies and has been keen to close down Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) so that they can be given on a platter to private companies. Centre’s decision to close down OCF is only an extension of its above-said initiative.

Allowing private operators in Defence-related matters would endanger the country’s overall security. VCK strongly condemns this move and urges the Centre to drop the whole idea. We shall continue to support the protest by the OCF employees against the closure,” Thirumavalavan’s statement said.

“It is time the Centre broke its silence and withdrew its decision to close down OCF,” CPI-M’s State Secretary G. Ramakrishnan said. “Closing down would make the army and defence personnel depend on foreign firms for their uniforms. The State Govt. should take up the issue with the Centre to avoid closure of OCF,” CPI’s State Secretary Mutharasan said in a separate statement.