Minister Subhash praises KIA for its commitment to employee welfare

Minister for Labour, Factories, Boilers, and Medical Insurance Services, Vasamsetti Subhash, has commended the KIA Motors plant for its adherence to government regulations and prioritisation of employee welfare. During his maiden visit as Labour Minister, Subhash, accompanied by Minister for BC Welfare and Handloom Textiles S Savitha, toured the KIA plant in Erramanchi village near Penugonda on Thursday morning.
The delegation was warmly received by KIA CEO Kwon Bong Seok and senior officials, including HODs Han, Ma, Sangjae, Dr Patil, and Dr Somashekhar Reddy. A PowerPoint presentation detailed the plant’s developmental activities and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The visit featured a fire mock drill and a gas leakage demonstration under the supervision of safety officer Riyaz Basha, showcasing the advanced safety equipment and measures employed by KIA. Minister Subhash observed these drills and emphasised the importance of preparedness during industrial emergencies.
Highlighting KIA’s contribution to the drought-prone Anantapur district, Subhash stated, “KIA has generated employment for around 20,000 people, including its ancillary units, which is commendable.” He credited former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for his role in establishing the plant.
Praising KIA’s safety protocols as a model for other industries, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to preventing industrial accidents. He cited the establishment of the Vasudha Mishra Committee during Naidu’s tenure to address safety lapses and prevent tragedies, noting past incidents that resulted in 34 fatalities.
Subhash also criticised the previous administration for failing to utilise Rs 610 crore allocated by the Central government to the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). He assured that the current government is fostering industrial growth by supporting new establishments and providing full backing to existing industries.
During the tour, the ministers visited various departments of the KIA plant, lauding its rapid growth and state-of-the-art facilities. Joint Commissioner Balu Naik, Factories Deputy Chief Inspector Keshavulu, Labour Deputy Commissioner Lakshminarasayya, and other officials were present during the visit.