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Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Business
- Time of India
Repeal anti-worker amendments, labour unionists tell Punjab govt
Ludhiana: Factory workers and labourers have called for the immediate repeal of recent amendments to labour laws that they allege strip them of their fundamental rights and protections. The unions have urged the Punjab govt to uphold and enforce workers' legal entitlements, expand the labour department, and raise the minimum wage in the state. Lakhwinder Singh, president of Karkhana Mazdoor Union, recently said, "The workers are protesting against amendments made to the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, which exclude establishments with fewer than 20 workers from the scope of basic labour protections. They argue that, if enforced, these changes will leave a large section of workers, particularly in shops and small businesses, without legal safeguards related to working hours, minimum wages, attendance records, or workplace safety. " The labour unions are also demanding the reversal of amendments made to the Factories Act during the Covid-19 lockdown by the previous govt, and again in Sept 2023 by the current govt. These amendments allow for extended overtime, up to four hours per day and 144 hours per quarter in commercial establishments, and up to 115 hours per quarter in factories. They fear that these changes legalise exploitative practices and normalise excessive work without addressing workers' core needs, especially decent wages. Another major point of their concern is the introduction of four new labour codes by the Centre. The unions want the Punjab legislative assembly to pass a resolution rejecting the implementation of these codes in the state. They said the new codes dilute long-standing worker protections under the guise of simplification and ease of doing business. The unions are also pressing for an increase in the monthly minimum wage to Rs 26,000, based on an eight-hour workday. They argue that many workers are currently forced to depend on overtime just to make ends meet. "Instead of creating conditions that force labourers into longer hours, the state should ensure a living wage that eliminates this compulsion altogether," said one union representative. In addition to repealing recent amendments, the workers have called for a comprehensive strengthening of the labour department, including hiring more officers and inspectors, expanding the number of labour courts, and improving the inspection framework for industries, shops, and commercial establishments. They emphasised the need for effective enforcement to stop ongoing violations of labour laws. The unions also alleged widespread corruption in the labour department and demanded strict action to eliminate bribery and red tape that has been affecting workers' access to justice.
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Punjab farmers worried as wheat straw prices dip amid lack of demand
A record dip in the prices of toori (chopped wheat straw), which is used as animal fodder, due to lesser demand in the dairy sector this year has left the wheat growers in a fix. Traders say this year, rates in several parts of the state remained stagnant at ₹130- ₹180 per quintal, whereas in 2024, its rates touched ₹500 per quintal. Experts warned that if the trend continues, it may push the farmers to burn the wheat residue as they will be left with no option for the disposal of the straw. Stakeholders attribute a sharp decline in demand to the use of silage, a processed and nutritious cattle feed prepared from maize and other ingredients, by the dairy sector, as well as the new practice of feeding rice straw to the livestock. Faridkot-based Lakhwinder Singh, who has been supplying toori to the dairy owners and industry for the last over a decade, said earlier a farmer could get ₹800-900 for a quintal of chopped wheat straw. 'But now the demand for the toori has shrunk drastically. Four paper mills in Punjab are demanding straw to be used in paper manufacturing and they offer low prices, sensing that wheat growers are hard pressed to sell the wheat byproduct, especially in light of low demand from the dairy owners,' he said. A wheat grower from Bajak village in Bathinda, Baldev Singh, said his stock of about 1,000 quintals of chopped wheat straw is lying unsold due to low rates. 'I cultivated wheat on 50 acres, and each acre generates about 20 quintals of toori. It costs around ₹200-250 per quintal to produce toori, whereas the traders are offering ₹160 per quintal. I cannot sell at a loss. I will wait till January next year when its rate may touch ₹300,' he added. A progressive farmer Tarsem Singh of Salina village in Moga, said the sale of toori brought additional income to the farmers and curbed farm fires. 'A farmer used to get an additional income of around ₹4,000 per acre after producing toori. But it is the second season when rates have dipped, and there is hardly any demand for the conventional fodder,' he said. Former chairperson of the Punjab state farmers commission (PSFC) Ajayvir Jakhar attributed the low demand for toori to the dairy sector shifting to paddy residue to feed livestock. 'Chopped wheat straw is traditionally mixed with other nutrients, and the cattle can digest it better. Since paddy stubble is managed in a better way, a shift is seen in the baled residue,' he opined. Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) principal agronomist and wheat expert Hari Ram said that the trend is worrisome. 'We fear that farmers may resort to farm fires after harvesting wheat. Demand for the toori as a dry fodder is decreasing, and the situation requires serious thought,' said the expert. Ravinder Singh Grewal, director of extension education and director of the livestock farm at the Ludhiana-based Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, said that silage is a highly nutritious food for cattle, and it should not be discouraged. 'Rates of toori in Ludhiana, the hub of the commercial dairy activities, have improved to ₹400 per quintal, but ways need to be found for the usage of wheat straw in different industries,' Grewal said.
United News of India
03-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
NDRF deployed to bolster rescue op after landslide flattens Army camp in Sikkim
Gangtok, June 3 (UNI) A 23-member team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was on Tuesday deployed to bolster the ongoing rescue and evacuation at Chaten in north district's remote Lachen where a massive landslide flattened an Army camp killing three, wounding 4 while six went missing since Monday evening, official sources said. The Sikkim government, meanwhile, declared the north district as " disaster-hit" and warned tourists and other stakeholders to avoid the region for now as the entire district bordering China has remained largely inaccessible since May 28 following rains, which triggered a series of landslides affecting infrastructure. In response to the disaster in north Sikkim, one V-5 helicopter has landed at Pakyong Greenfield Airport, deploying teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The NDRF units are equipped with satellite phones and essential emergency equipment, official sources said. The first sortie of the day, comprising 23 NDRF personnel equipped with essential supplies, proceeded towards Chaten from Pakyong Greenfield Airport. "The deployment aims to bolster on-ground efforts in the remote region, where access has been severely hampered due to recent natural disruptions. The teams will aid in evacuation, rescue and the establishment of temporary communication lines to assist affected residents," an official source said. The authorities have issued directives to explore alternate foot-access routes and assess the feasibility of helipad operations, depending on prevailing weather conditions. The efforts are made to reach isolated communities and ensure timely aid, a government communique said. Chief minister Prem Singh Golay condoled the demise of Havaldar Lakhwinder Singh, Lance Naik Munish Thakur and porter Abhishek Lakhadia, who were buried alive when massive landslides swept away an Army camp at Chaten, about 9000 ft above the sea level and about 110 km from Gangtok. Four more wounded were rescued and six personnel have been missing since the disaster struck on Monday at around 7 pm. State chief secretary R Telang, chaired a high-level meeting to review the disaster situation in Mangan district, which has been severely affected by continuous rain, landslides, and widespread disruption in connectivity. The meeting focused on key issues such as road blockages, evacuation of stranded tourists, and the urgent restoration of essential services like power, roadway and telecommunications. In a video conference briefing, district magistrate of Mangan Anant Jain updated the ground situation. The authorities were instructed to maintain effective communication with residents, particularly about the timing and routes for evacuation. Officials from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) provided an update on the extent of road damage and ongoing restoration efforts. The BRO was directed to deploy sufficient manpower and machinery to expedite the reopening of strategic routes. The teams from BSNL and power, will be mobilised from Pakyong to Lachen by helicopter with essential equipment and backup batteries to restore services. The home department has been tasked with organising and dispatching field teams, while the district authorities have been instructed to provide continuous situation updates and ensure coordination among field teams and the State Control Room in coordination with Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA). The Chief Secretary stressed that immediate priority must be given to restoring power (both conventional and mobile) and telecommunication services, including the use of satellite-based solutions in inaccessible areas. In case full connectivity cannot be restored immediately, departments are to explore foot access routes and evaluate helipad operations, depending on weather conditions. The government underlined the importance of inter-departmental coordination, calling on all departments, including SSDMA, to consolidate their field-level inputs and take a unified approach to relief operations. Coordination with the Indian Army was also suggested for logistics support and situational updates. The immediate objective is the restoration of connectivity and the safe evacuation of those stranded," officials said. The government of Sikkim, through the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) and the Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department, has officially declared the damage caused by incessant rains in Mangan District from May 28 onwards as a 'disaster' under Section 22(2)(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. UNI PC PRS
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Cops recover 105 gm heroin, ₹5L drug money, 6 held in Mohali
In the past 48 hours, Mohali police arrested six drug peddlers in three separate cases, recovering a total of 105 grams of heroin and ₹5 lakh in drug money. All six suspects are currently on police remand at various police stations in Mohali. In the first case, Mohali police arrested two suspects and seized 25.95 grams of heroin from their possession. DSP City 2 Harsimran Singh Bal and Phase 11 station house officer inspector Aman apprehended Lakhwinder Singh and Suraj Singh, both residents of Saharna, Sadar Police Station, Mansa district. A case was registered against them under Sections 21, 61, and 85 of the NDPS Act. During interrogation, Lakhwinder Singh revealed that he had procured the heroin from Sandeep Singh alias Billa, a resident of Khalchian Jadid village in Ferozepur. As a result, Sandeep Singh alias Billa was named in the case, and Section 29 of the NDPS Act was added. Subsequently, a raid was conducted at Billa's house in Ferozepur, guided by Lakhwinder Singh. The raid led to the recovery of 18.61 grams of heroin and ₹4.78 lakh in drug money. The investigation is ongoing. In the second case, the Mohali police arrested a drug trafficker in Zirakpur and recovered 25 grams of heroin from his possession. The accused was identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Ram Singh, a native of Tarn Taran, currently residing in Barmajra village, Mohali. Under the Punjab government's special campaign against drug trafficking and anti-social elements, SP Manpreet Singh and DSP Jaspinder Singh of Zirakpur sub-division, under the directives of SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans, initiated an operation. Zirakpur SHO inspector Gagandeep Singh, along with his team, including sub-inspector Balraj Singh, was present at the McDonald's crossing when they spotted a suspicious man on foot. Upon noticing the police, the man attempted to flee into the nearby fields. After a brief chase, the police apprehended him. A search of the polybag he was carrying led to the recovery of 25 grams of heroin. He was booked under Sections 21, 61, and 85 of the NDPS Act. A case was registered at Zirakpur Police Station, and the accused was presented in court. Police remand was subsequently obtained. In the third case, Kurali police arrested two drug traffickers and recovered 37 grams of heroin and ₹21,740 in drug money. Mullanpur DSP Mohit Agarwal stated that the identities of the two arrested individuals are being withheld for the time being, as more accomplices are yet to be apprehended.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Time of India
Mohali police arrest 6 drug traffickers in 48 hrs, recover 105gm heroin and Rs 5L drug money
1 2 Mohali: In three separate operations over the past 48 hours, the police have arrested six drug traffickers and recovered 105 grams of heroin and Rs 5 lakh in suspected drug money. All six accused are in police custody at different police stations in the district. In the first operation, SHO of Phase 11 police station, apprehended Lakhwinder Singh and Suraj Singh, residents of Saharna village under Sadar Police Station, Mansa. The duo was caught with 25.95 grams of heroin. During interrogation, Lakhwinder Singh revealed the heroin was sourced from Sandeep Singh alias Billa, a resident of Khalchian Jadid village in Ferozepur. Acting on this lead, the police raided Billa's residence and recovered 18.61 grams of heroin and Rs 4.78 lakh in suspected drug proceeds. A case has been registered under sections 21, 61, 85, and 29 of the NDPS Act , and the investigation is ongoing. In the second case, Zirakpur police arrested a man identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Ram Singh, originally from Tarn Taran, now residing in Barmajra village, Mohali. Gagandeep Singh, SHO Zirakpur, along with SI Balraj Singh, apprehended Gurpreet near the McDonald's crossing. On noticing the police, the accused attempted to flee into nearby fields but was caught after a short chase. He was found carrying 25 grams of heroin in a polybag. A case under NDPS Act was registered at Zirakpur police station, and the accused has been remanded in police custody. In the third incident, Kurali police arrested two individuals with 37 grams of heroin and Rs 21,740 in drug proceeds. According to Mullanpur DSP Mohit Agarwal, the identity of the arrested persons has been withheld as more accomplices are yet to be arrested.
