Sangrur: Palledars seek abolition of contractual labour system

Sangrur, July 19

Resentment prevails among palledars (workers at grain markets) against the ‘indifferent’attitude of the state government towards their long-standing demand for abolishing the contractual labour system in foodgrain procurement agencies of the state. This would pave the way for making payments directly to the palledars, instead of routing these through contractors, they said. To press for their demand, members of five palledar unions have been continuing with a “pucca morcha” in the city since January 10. Initially, they started their stir at the New Grain Market, Sangrur, but in February, they shifted it to the Sangrur-Patiala road near the residence of the CM here.

Mohan Singh, chairman of the labour cell of palledar unions, said if they did not get an invite from the government or the Department of Food and Civil Supplies to resolve the issue, they would chalk out an action plan to compel the government to accept their demand.