In a major step for labour welfare, the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has approved a 10% hike in Mandi labour rates.
The decision was taken at a Board of Directors meeting chaired by With this revision, the Mandi labour rate has increased from ₹17.50 to ₹19.26 per 37.5 kg bag of paddy, reflecting a rise of ₹1.76 per bag. Barsat stated that the increase is in line with the demands of Labour Unions and reaffirms the government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of workers. He added that the revised rates will bring much-needed relief to labourers and their families, besides promoting fair labour practices in Punjab’s agricultural markets.
The meeting also reviewed strategies to enhance the income of the Punjab Mandi labour Board. The Chairman informed that initiatives such as e-auctioning of vacant plots in grain markets, installation of ATMs and Unipols, and other measures are being implemented enthusiastically.
Barsat further highlighted that the Board is making continuous efforts to provide better facilities to farmers, commission agents, labourers, and the general public. Development works are ongoing in several markets, and comprehensive arrangements are being put in place for the upcoming Kharif procurement season.
The meeting was also attended by Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Ramvir, Punjab Farmers Commission Chairman Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Special Secretary Agriculture Baldeep Kaur, and other senior officials.