Latest news with #Chinnasamy
The Hindu
28-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
AITUC urges Erode Corporation to implement revised minimum wages for SHGs and contract workers
The Erode District Local Bodies Workers' Association, affiliated with the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), has urged the Corporation to implement the revised minimum wages for self-help group (SHG) and contract workers employed in various civic departments. In a representation to Corporation Commissioner Arpit Jain, association president S. Chinnasamy cited government orders and court rulings, including the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, and a Madras High Court directive mandating minimum wage payments to all local body workers. The association noted that over 1,500 daily wage workers are engaged under SHGs and contract roles across services such as sanitation, water supply, and street light maintenance. Despite multiple appeals, the revised minimum wages for 2024–2025 have not been implemented, it said. Mr. Chinnasamy stated that for April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, the prescribed daily wages was ₹754 for sanitation workers, water supply staff, and domestic breeding checkers (DBC), and ₹792 for drivers, as per official communications from the Tamil Nadu Labour Department and the Erode District Collector. For 2025–2026, effective April 1, the updated daily wages should be ₹761 for sanitation, water supply, and DBC staff, and ₹799 for drivers, based on a March 3, 2025, Labour Department letter. However, the Corporation continues to pay only ₹724 per day, the 2023–2024 rate, resulting in a wage loss of at least ₹37 per worker per day. Calling the non-compliance both unlawful and in contempt of court, the association demanded immediate payment of arrears along with the June 2025 salary. It also urged the Corporation to extend Employees' State Insurance coverage to all temporary workers, issue ID cards through the Sanitation Workers Welfare Board, ensure access to welfare benefits, and supply safety gear and tools. The representation warned that failure to act amounts to denying basic legal entitlements to some of the Corporation's most essential and underpaid workers.
The Star
07-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Money dysmorphia: Flexing fantasy online
How has the rise of "flex culture" in Malaysia – where influencers showcase luxury lifestyles – contributed to money dysmorphia among young Malaysians? —Pexels HOW has the rise of 'flex culture' in Malaysia – where influencers showcase luxury lifestyles – contributed to money dysmorphia among young Malaysians? Universiti Teknologi Mara Shah Alam's Assoc Prof Dr Sara Chinnasamy observes that more young people worldwide are feeling the pressure to impress or keep up with their peers, often because of flex culture. Bank Negara Malaysia reported in 2021 that 40% of millennials were spending beyond their means, with 47% carrying high credit card debts, she says. 'In simple terms, flex culture means publicly displaying one's wealth, success, and luxurious possessions without humility, whether on social media or in person. Many youth today are chasing extraordinary lifestyles and the lifestyles they are trying to pursue, as seen on social media, are not suitable for most people. 'Malaysian youth need to think thoroughly before spending on discretionary goods. Social media is as a major contributor to the flex culture,' says Assoc Prof Chinnasamy, who is a political and social media analyst at the university's communication and media studies faculty. Prof Dr Sara says social media platforms are saturated with content creators pushing new trends, selling must-have items, and flaunting luxury hauls. She adds that social media platforms often fuel money dysmorphia by promoting unrealistic financial comparisons, especially among impressionable youths. 'For younger users, who are still forming their financial identities, this constant exposure can be especially damaging. Seeing peers or influencers their age seemingly thriving financially can lead to feelings of inadequacy or failure. 'The curated nature of social media can hide the reality behind the scenes – credit card debt, brand sponsorships, and staged content. Yet the emotional impact is real.' According to her, social media platforms are saturated with content creators pushing new trends, selling must-have items, and flaunting luxury hauls. 'And that's where money dysmorphia comes in. The onslaught of these videos may leave some feeling financially inadequate and pressured to recreate these lifestyles. 'The consumerism and neverending comparison traps can lead to anxiety, overspending, and growing fears around financial stability.' She reminds young people that influencer lifestyles often don't reflect reality. 'Unfortunately, many individuals are ensnared by this charm, striving to project an extravagant image to friends, often at the expense of financial feasibility. This involves indulging in pricey dining experiences and acquiring designer items, constructing a facade that doesn't necessarily align with their financial truth.' This trend, she warns, often leads youth to unintentionally accumulate debt in an effort to maintain a certain image. A major driver of this is the growing sense of obligation to uphold a particular lifestyle, resulting in heightened expenditure. 'The products and lifestyles influencers showcase are often sponsored or gifted by brands, who also pay them for endorsements. It's important to remember that what we see online isn't always the full picture – especially as we navigate our own finances.'
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- The Hindu
Asphyxiation deaths: NCSC Director inspects septic tank of dyeing unit near Palladam
S. Ravivarman, Director of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), inspected the septic tank of a private dyeing unit at Karaipudur in Palladam limits where three persons had died of asphyxiation recently. The deceased, Saravanan, 30, Venugopal, 31, and Hari Krishnan, 26, all hailed from Ambedkar Colony. Chinnasamy, 36, the driver of the cleaner lorry who also entered the tank, has been hospitalised. The Palladam police booked the company owner Naveen, manager Dhanapal, 50, supervisor Aravind, 47, and the driver Chinnasamy under four sections including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The inspection by Mr. Ravivarman comes on the heels of the arrest of the company's manager and supervisor. After the inspection, Mr. Ravivarman met families of the deceased at Sundamedu, and called on Chinnasamy, who also belongs to the Scheduled Caste community.
New Indian Express
22-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Two held after three workers die in Tiruppur dyeing plant in Tamil Nadu
TIRUPPUR: The police on Wednesday arrested two employees of a private dyeing plant in Tiruppur in connection with the death of three workers who lost their lives due to suffocation while cleaning a septic tank. The accused were Dhanabal (50) of Chinnakarai, the manager, and Aravind (47) of Palladam, the supervisor. Sources said the tragedy happened at the Alaya Dyeing Mill in Karaipudur near Tiruppur on Monday evening. The dead were three daily wage workers engaged by Chinnasamy (36) of Sundamedu who owns a septic tank cleaning vehicle. The Palladam police registered a case against plant owner Naveen, Chinnasamy, manager Dhanabal and supervisor Aravind. Police are searching for Naveen. The police said Chinnasamy will be arrested after his treatment. Chinnasamy's wife Jyothimani submitted a petition at the SP office stating that her husband should not be included in this case and demanded compensation be provided to him. Meanwhile, the VCK and various Dalit outfits have demanded the state to provide employment to one of the family members. The victims' families have also made this request to the district administration.
New Indian Express
21-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Death toll rises to three due to suffocation while cleaning septic tank in Tamil Nadu
TIRUPPUR: Death toll rose to three in the incident where daily wage labourers suffocated to death while cleaning the septic tank at the workers quarters in a dyeing factory here on Tuesday. The police registered a case against four people, including the plant owner. Daily wagers Saravanan (30) and R Venugopal (31) died on Monday and A Harikrishnan (26) of Sundamedu near Iduvai died on Tuesday. Police said, 'Alaya dyeing mill in Karaipudur has about 30 workers staying living in the quarters within the plant premises. Chinnasamy (36) of Sundamedu, who owns a septic tank cleaning vehicle, received a call on Monday to clean the tank.' 'Chinnasamy went there with the three workers. However, the four suffocated as they did not use safety equipment. Subsequently, worker Muthukumar (30), and a few others rescued and admitted them to a private hospital. However, Saravanan and Venugopal died on Monday,' police added. Muthukumar, who was involved in the rescue task, was also admitted to the hospital as a precaution. Chinnasamy and Muthukumar are receiving treatment at the hospital. Meanwhile, the Palladam police registered a case against plant owner Naveen, Manager Dhanabal, Supervisor Balasubramaniam and vehicle owner Chinnasamy under sections 125 (a), 106 (1) of BNS and Prohibition of Employment As Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act 2013, 3 (i) (j) 3 (2) (va) of SC/ST Act 2015. Further investigation is on. Various outfits and trade unions staged protests in Tiruppur on Tuesday, demanding compensation for the families of the deceased. The district administration took steps to provide an initial compensation of Rs 30 lakh each to the families. Speaking to TNIE, K Karthikeyan DRO of Tiruppur said, 'Following government norms, we have taken steps to provide compensation from the concerned company to the affected families. After this, the police will continue to investigate the case.' The CPIM also urged appropriate action to be taken against officials related to this matter.
