A tense standoff has developed between tech giant Foxconn and a Gram Panchayat in Bengaluru Rural, with local authorities accusing the company of tax evasion, building violations, and snubbing local workers. On Monday, the Panchayat issued a formal notice demanding that Foxconn hand over its approved building plans, construction licenses, and occupancy certificates for its massive facilities in Doddagollahalli and Aruvanahalli.
The dispute centers on a discrepancy in official records. While a massive industrial complex spanning over 5 lakh square meters is, reportedly, operational, Panchayat officials say the land is still listed as "vacant sites". This has led to allegations that the company is dodging local taxes— something the Panchayat points out that even the nearby international airport and other major industrial players pay without issue.
The notice gives Foxconn just seven days to comply, warning of legal action under the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act if the documentation isn't provided.
Beyond the paperwork, there is significant anger on the ground regarding jobs. Local representatives and residents claim that despite multiple meetings, Foxconn hasn't followed through on promises to hire from the surrounding villages. Residents allege they were brought in for interviews as a formality, only for the company to recruit its workforce from outside the region instead.
Frustration is reaching a boiling point, with local groups threatening to launch large-scale protests later this week if the company doesn't address the employment demands. As of now, the tech giant hasn't issued a public response to the Panchayat’s ultimatum or the brewing labor dispute.
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