Arhtiyas and workers in Punjab announce strike from October 1

26-Sep-2024 08:48 PM

Chandigarh. Arhtiyas (commission agents) and workers who assist in loading of food grains Kharif and packing in 1836 Mandis of Punjab have announced to go on strike from October 1, 2024.

It is known that from this day onwards, government procurement of paddy from farmers is going to start in the state at the minimum support price.

The workers are demanding an increase in their wages, while the arhtiyas say that the purchase of paddy of the newly harvested crop should be in accordance with the prevailing rules, otherwise it should be paid separately for high moisture content and discoloration percentage.

It is understood that Rs 12.82 is paid to the workers for filling, weighing, stitching and loading a sack of paddy. This wage is very low and a nominal annual increase of 5 to 8 paise is made in it.

On the other hand, the president of the Arhatiya Association says that usually when the arrival of paddy in the mandis increases rapidly,

then the tendency of the provincial level procurement agencies is seen that they ignore the rules of moisture content and discoloured grains.

After purchasing, the stock of paddy is kept in the premises of the Arhatiyas for a few days. With the passage of time, the moisture content in paddy decreases and its weight decreases.

Then the agencies ask the Arhatiyas to make up for the weight shortage. This shortage can be in crores of rupees.

Arhatiyas are not at fault in this, but still they are forced to bear the brunt. In view of this, the Arhatiyas have decided to go on strike from October 1 until this issue is completely resolved.