Sangrur: Unions for ending contract system in foodgrain purchase agencies

Sangrur, January 15

Led by the Punjab Pradesh Palledar Mazdoor Union, members and activists of some labour unions today staged a protest in favour of their demands on the Sangrur-Patiala highway. Their major demands included abolition of the contractual system in foodgrain procurement agencies and formation of a labour board.

They also organised a rally on the main road near the residence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The protesting members announced that they would hold a ‘pucca morcha’ there till their demands are accepted. They also raised slogans against the state government.

Representatives of labour unions will meet with the OSD to the CM on January 18. The demonstrators said they had been demanding the abolition of the contractual system in foodgrain procurement agencies for more than two decades, but to no avail. They said before coming to power, the AAP had promised to end the contractual system, but even after two years, the system is still being followed.

Besides, the protesters also demanded guarantee for work and fixation of wage rates. Palledars said they are also against the installation of silo plants in the state.