Both unions had participated in numerous protest rallies against the decision of the state government to close down the concern. In fact, Mamata herself addressed a rally at the company’s gate on February 8, in which she promised that she would not let the concern close down.

“It is a historic decision. We thank Mamatadi for fulfilling her promise to save the organisation that was set up in 1881 by Upendranath Mukherjee, a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahansa,” said Timir Mukherjee, convenor of Basumati Corporation Bachao Committee.

“It’s a great proposal. Good if the interests of the workers are safeguarded,” said Mihir Chakrabarty, vice-president of Basumati Workers’ Union, affiliated to the CITU.