Muhammad Usman
The Punjab government has taken a major step for providing relief to the mineworkers by announcing lifetime stipend for the affectees of mining accidents. The Punjab Mines and Minerals Department announced setting up lifetime stipend for mineworkers affected in mining accidents. The labourers will be given Rs6,000 monthly stipend, which was approved by the cabinet committee on finance.
Earlier on November 12, the Punjab Cane Commissioner had announced the government’s step towards eradicating farmer exploitation as sugar millers will pay an 11 per cent mark up to farmers upon delay or deferment on payments.
The decision had come following the pleas by sugarcane growers to Punjab government seeking redressal of their long-standing grievances caused by sugar millers.
The millers who delay the payments to sugarcane growers by 15 days from the delivery date will have to pay 11pc on the overall payment as a markup as to protect and compensate farmers. Punjab Cane Commissioner Muhammad Zaman Wattoo had said the step will put an end to farmer exploitation and will ensure them payments of their harvest. Wattoo added it will instill the habit of timely paying in millers and encourage farmers.
