Labourers press for debt waiver in Bathinda

Tribune News Service
Bathinda, August 25

Seeking a debt waiver for farm labourers, activists of the Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union today protested in front of Finance Minister Manpreet Badal’s office in Bathinda.

The protesters first gathered outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in the morning and later, took out a march towards Badal’s office in the city. They were stopped a few metres away from the office as the police had cordoned off the road.

Addressing the protesters, state union president Zora Singh Nasarli said their demands included a debt waiver for farm labourers, payment of MGNREGA dues and reissuance of blue cards.

He said the governments at the Centre and state were making policies that were pushing farmers and labourers into a debt trap.

The union also demanded that Dalit families should be given panchayati land on contract for farming.