Bengaluru, 2 Feb

Taiwanese chipmaking firm Foxconn is in the eye of a storm over allegations of flouting building norms and dillydallying on jobs to locals at its plant in Devanahalli, in the city, with villagers warning of a mass protest over the issue. 

The reported confrontation between Foxconn Hon Hai Technology India Mega Development Pvt. Ltd. in Devanahalli taluk, Bengaluru Rural district and the Koyira Gram Panchayat and is over alleged tax non-payment, violation of local building norms, and denial of jobs to locals

In a formal notice to Foxconn, the Gram Panchayat has directed the company to submit approved building plans, construction licences, completion and occupancy certificates, and survey-wise built-up area details for its facilities in Doddagollahalli and Aruvanahalli villages, spread over 5.33 lakh square metres.

The Panchayat alleged that information sought by them was available only for vacant sites, even though buildings have already come up, and the company has started its operations.

According to local representatives, even after writing numerous letters and meeting with the company officials, no employment has been provided to the locals as yet. They alleged that instead, Foxconn has been engaged in recruiting people from outside.

The local authorities have also charged the company with failing to pay local taxes, even as other establishments, including the international airport and factories, regularly pay taxes.

The Panchayat has meanwhile, warned that it would initiate strong legal measures against the Taiwanese company as per the provisions of the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act.

Foxconn has been given by the Panchayat a time frame of seven days to follow its directions, failing which the locals have threatened to launch a mass mobilisation against the company on 7 February if their demands are not met.