Labourers rue lack of basic amenities

Tribune News Service

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Bathinda, October 7

The district administration has claimed that basic amenties, including potable water and toilets, at grains markets were in place before the start of paddy procurement process in the district. About 180 procurement centres have been set up in the district.

The claim of the administration fell flat as farmers and labourers say they are facing problems due to the lack of basic amenities at some grain markets.

Lifting of paddy began on October 5 after a deadlock between the administration and rice millers. However, the lifting of paddy is taking place at a snail’s pace. The farmers will get their money only after paddy will be lifted.

Administration had directed the officials concerned to make proper arrangements for farmers and labourers, who will visit the procurement centres.

As per the data collected from the District Mandi Board Bathinda, about 27,830 Metric Tonne (MT) of paddy had arrived at grain markets of Bathinda district. Around 18, 210 MT has been procured, but only 4,306 has been lifted.

With slow pace lifting of gunny bags loaded with wheat grains, the farmers are finding it difficult to land their grains for procurement at grain markets in Bathinda.

District Mandi Board Officer, Bathinda, Kuldeep Singh Brar said, “The lifting process was started on Wednesday, but today the speed of paddy lifting is good. All arrangements have been made at the grain markets. Earthen pots and toilet are also available at grain markets of the district.

However, the Deputy Commissioner Basant Garg visited the grain markets, including the Naruana grain market, where labourers and farmers face are facing problems and expressed satisfaction on the arrangements.

Facing a lot of problems 

We are facing a lot of problems as there is no potable water facility. We have to go to other side of the main road by covering a long distance for water. There is also no toilet facility here and women are facing a lot of problems. — Naem Akhtar, labouere at the Naruana grain market

Basic amenities necessary 

We regularly come here from Uttar Pradesh during the paddy season. Basic amenities are necessary and should be provided on a priority basis. The shed of farmers is still under construction. — Mohammad Alam, a labourer