Punjab govt hikes mandi labour rates by 10%
According to Barsat, this hike addresses the demands of labour unions and will provide "much-needed relief" to labourers, ensuring fair practices and improving the lives of those crucial to the agricultural supply chain.
During the meeting, the board also discussed ways to increase the Mandi Board's income. Barsat stated that the board is taking measures, including e-auctioning vacant plots in grain markets and installing ATMs and unipoles in various markets.
He also noted that the board is working to provide better facilities for farmers, commission agents, labourers, and the general public, and is making robust arrangements for the upcoming Kharif procurement season.
The financial health of the Punjab Mandi Board has been affected by the Centre's decision to withhold the rural development fund (RDF), which had been a major source of revenue for the Mandi Board. The funds were used for development and maintenance of rural infrastructure, including the 66,000 kilometers of link roads and the grain markets . The state govt has claimed that around Rs 7,000 crore of RDF has not been released by the Centre.
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