Rage over reservation: Here is what the jat stir cost!

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: The violent agitation of the jat community in Haryana seeking OBC quota in government jobs has resulted in collateral damage to businesses and industries in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh.

While the impact of the stir in Haryana is maximum in the industrial areas in Rohtak, Jhajjar, Bahadurgarh, Hissar, Bhiwani, Jind, Gohana, Sonipat, Kaithal, Karnal and Panipat.

The industry body Assocham, pegs an estimated blow of Rs 18,000-Rs 20,000 crore to trade and industry in Haryana by way of loss to public and private property and halting trade, industry, small business and transport .

Other neighbouring states Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh are also bearing the brunt of the agitation as a number of trains and roads leading to these states pass through Haryana.

The disruption in supplies of raw material to trade and industry in and transporting ready goods is creating huge losses to businesses.

Punjab, which is a major producer of bicycles, ready made garments, hand tools, auto parts, hosiery goods, iron and steel goods, auto parts, among other items are also hit.

The shortage of raw material has pushed up prices of supplies, and manufacturers also fear that delay in the dispatch of finished products may result in loss of domestic and overseas buyers.