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Foxconn, a key supplier for tech giant Apple, has taken a significant step towards enhancing its workforce accommodations in India by inaugurating a state-of-the-art residential complex for female workers in Tamil Nadu. The Rs 706 crore facility, spread across 20 acres in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, boasts a capacity to house up to 18,720 women workers, making it the largest of its kind in India. This development comes amidst recent reports that Foxconn had been denying employment to married women in India, a claim vehemently denied by the company's chairman, Young Liu.
Liu, in his address during the inauguration ceremony, emphasized the crucial role played by married women in the company's production facilities. He stated that many of the women workers come from small towns and will reside in dormitory-style settings, similar to those in Taiwan, the company's home country. The complex features 13 blocks, each with 10 floors, offering a comfortable living environment for its residents. The company has also incorporated sustainability principles in the construction, utilizing zero-discharge technology to minimize environmental impact. The complex includes a large dining hall with seating capacity for 4,000 people, ensuring convenient and comfortable dining experiences for the workers. It also offers indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, including sports courts and play areas, promoting a healthy lifestyle. The project has also prioritized security by installing 1,170 CCTV cameras throughout the premises, ensuring the safety of its residents.
The Tamil Nadu government, which played a key role in developing the housing complex, has commended Foxconn for its commitment to providing quality accommodation for its workforce. The state government emphasized that Tamil Nadu has a strong track record in empowering women in the workforce, with a women’s workforce participation rate of 41%, the highest in India. The government highlighted that Foxconn’s investment in a dedicated housing facility for women workers demonstrates its commitment to gender equality and diversity in the workplace. This initiative is also seen as a positive step towards addressing the concerns raised by workers about living conditions at Foxconn's Sriperumbudur plant in 2021, which led to protests and the temporary closure of the plant. The government has collaborated with Foxconn to improve the living conditions for its workers, recognizing the importance of a comfortable and safe living environment for attracting and retaining a skilled workforce.
The new housing complex is a testament to Foxconn's commitment to expanding its operations in India, where it is now the company's largest workforce outside China. As Foxconn continues to expand its operations in India, assembling Google's Pixel phones and manufacturing drones, the new housing complex is strategically aimed at ensuring a comfortable living environment for the influx of workers expected in the future. The investment in this facility reflects the company's vision for long-term growth in the Indian market, recognizing the importance of providing a comprehensive package of benefits to attract and retain skilled workers.
Source: With Rs 706 crore facility that can house 18,720 women, Foxconn doubles down in Tamil Nadu