On Saturday, 17 August, the Tamil Nadu government inaugurated a new housing complex designed for 18,720 women employees of Foxconn, a key supplier for Apple’s iPhone manufacturing. The 10-floor, 13-block facility, built by the state government, includes modern amenities such as kitchens, dining areas, CCTV cameras and play areas.
Foxconn will cover the rental expenses on a per-bed basis, reflecting the company’s commitment to improving living conditions for its workforce.
This development comes in the wake of significant protests by Foxconn workers in 2021, who raised concerns about poor living conditions and food-safety issues, leading Apple to place the company on probation.
The inauguration also provided an opportunity to highlight Tamil Nadu’s significant role in India’s industrial landscape, particularly in terms of female workforce participation. The state is home to 42 per cent of the country’s industrial women workers. Furthermore, the government also underscored its broader economic ambitions, aiming to transform the state into a $1 trillion economy by 2030, building on its current status as India’s second-largest economy.
The housing project was made possible through a combination of funding sources. This includes an investment of Rs 170 crore from the Small Industries Development Corporation (SIDCO), Rs 500 crore in loans, and an additional Rs 30 crore from the Central government’s affordable housing scheme.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the state government to enhance living conditions for industrial workers and support economic growth through strategic investments.