CHARGES OF POWER AND DIESEL CONSUMED FOR CLEANING THE CROP DURING PROCUREMENT SEASON TO BE SHARED BY PUNJAB STATE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING BOARD AND THE AARTIYAAS
Amritsar, December 13- In a major reprieve to the labour class working in the grain markets across the state the Punjab Government today decided that the charges of power and diesel used for cleaning process of the grains during procurement season, which were earlier deducted from wages of labourers , would be now collectively borne by the Punjab State Agricultural Marketing Board and the Aartiyaas.
A decision to this effect was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal during a meeting with the delegation of Anaaj Mandi Mazdoor Sangh Punjab led by its President Mr Dharampal Daabla here today at the local circuit house.
Meanwhile, the President of Punjab Aarthiya association and Vice Chairman of Punjab State Agricultural Marketing Board Mr Ravinder Singh Cheema, apprised the Chief Minister that the charges deducted from the wages of labour increased their hardships manifold rendering them unable to meet their day-to-day requirements. The delegation also impressed upon the Chief Minister for permanent resolution of this issue so that their miseries could be reduced to some extent.
Responding to the demand of the delegation, Mr. Badal decided that in future 33% of these charges would be borne by Punjab State Agricultural Board whereas 67% of it would be contributed by the aartiyaas of the respective grain markets. Likewise, the Chief Minster also conceded another demand of delegation to construct retiring rooms for these labourers at the Principal yards across the state, to enable them to relax and take rest after menial labour. Mr Badal directed the Secretary of Punjab State Agricultural Marketing Board Dr Karamjeet Singh Sra to take necessary steps for the implementation of this decision expeditiously.
Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included; Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr Kahan Singh Pannu and Chairman PEDA Bhai Manjeet Singh.
