Quash panchayats’ ‘anti-labour’ diktats: Punjab SC panel

THE COMMISSION DIRECTS THE STATE RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND PANCHAYATS DEPARTMENT TO SUBMIT AN ACTION-TAKEN REPORT BY JUNE 19

PATIALA: Taking serious note of ‘anti-labour’ resolutions recently passed by some Punjab panchayats, the state commission for Scheduled Castes has sought a report from the department of rural development and panchayats.

Terming the resolutions illegal, the commission has asked the department to scrap all such directions and submit an action-taken report by June 19.

It may be mentioned that amid shortage of labour due to mass exodus of migrant labourers, the panchayats in several districts of Punjab had passed resolutions fixing wages for local labourers.

As per these resolutions, farm labourers were to be paid ₹2,500 to ₹3,200 for sowing paddy on one acre, while the farmhands were demanding ₹4,000-₹4,500 per acre.

“Not only constitutionally, it’s illegal socially and morally as well. The panchayats have no right to single out labourers, most of whom are from Dalit communities, and issue such diktats,” said commission chairperson Tejinder Kaur.

She said some panchayats have even refused to feed labourers and directed them to bring them their own utensils and food. “Who gave them (panchayats) the right to pass such resolutions, that too by making announcements on loud speakers? Further action will be taken once the department submits its report,” she added.

The commission has specifically asked Sangrur deputy commissioner to conduct an inquiry into the matter.