National Times Bureau :- Taking a step towards labour welfare, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has approved a 10 percent increase in mandi labour rates.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Punjab Mandi Board, chaired by Harchand Singh Burst. With this revision, the labour rate for handling paddy has gone up from ₹17.50 to ₹19.26 per bag of 37.5 kg, marking an increase of ₹1.76 per bag.
Mr. Burst said the hike has been made in line with the demands of labour unions and reflects the state government’s commitment to the welfare of workers. He added that the revised rates will not only provide much-needed relief to labourers and their families but also promote fair labour practices and improve the livelihoods of those involved in the agricultural supply chain.
During the meeting, the Board also discussed steps to increase its revenue. Plans include e-auction of vacant plots in grain markets, installation of ATMs and unipoles in various mandis, and measures to strengthen facilities for farmers, commission agents and labourers ahead of the upcoming paddy procurement season.
The meeting was attended by Punjab Mandi Board Secretary Ramvir, Punjab State Farmers Commission Chairman Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Special Secretary (Agriculture) Baldeep Kaur and other senior officials.
