Not paid assured wages, labourers take out rally

Mansa, July 7

Scores of labourers under the banner of the Mazdoor Mukti Morcha carried out a protest rally at Pharwahi village in Mansa district after zamindars (landowners) allegedly refused to pay them ‘mutually agreed upon’ wages for paddy sowing on Wednesday.

As per the labourers, a rate of Rs 4,000 for sowing paddy in one acre was agreed upon but after the work was done, the landowners allegedly backtracked and refused to pay the money and instead offered to pay Rs 3,500.

Later, a meeting was held but it remained inconclusive. Sarpanch Chiranji Singh said, “The same rate of Rs 4,000 per acre basis was paid during the previous season. But a few migrant workers agreed to work for Rs 3,700. I tried to convince zamindars to pay the rate this time but they refused.”

Bhagwant Samao, morcha state president, said, “We have formed a panel to ensure labourers get fair wages.”

DC Mohinder Pal said, “We have not received any formal complaint so far.” — TNS