Daily Times

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that the federal government is responsible for farmers-sugar millers deadlock.

Talking to media at First Tripartite Labour Conference here at a local hotel Tuesday, he said his government has vowed to give additional subsidy for export of sugar so that crushing could start but still the federal government has not issued notification for the subsidy it had announced.

Replying to a question, the chief minister said that the provincial government was sincere with the growers and has notified Rs182 per 40 kg for which the provincial government has already issued the notification.

He added that the federal government in the last CCI meeting had decided to give Rs10.7/kg subsidy for export of sugar and the provincial cabinet in order to thwart the deadlock between the sugarcane farmers and growers decided to given an additional subsidy of Rs 9.3/kg so that millers could get Rs20/kg subsidy to accept Rs182/40 sugar cane price and start crushing.

He also advised the farmers to demonstrate patience and their matter would be resolved. “I would again talk to the federal government and get it notified,” he said.

Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali addressing the Tripartite Labour Conference organized by Sindh labour department said that the industrial development is linked with the health, financial strength and working atmosphere of workers.

He said that the provincial government through SESSI, Workers Welfare Board and such other institutions has constructed thousands of apartments and residential quarters (residential colonies) and established schools and hospitals for workers all over Sindh.

Murad Ali Shah said that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto just after coming into power had announced labour policy within three weeks of his take over, “It was the commitment PPP has inherited from its founder chairman,” he said and went on saying Shaheed Benazir Bhutto advanced the polices of Shaheed Bhutto and started various welfare programmes for the workers.

He also recalled the services of President Asif Zaradri who not only enhanced the minimum wages of the workers but also launched housing, health and education programmes for the workers.

He said that it was a dream of our founder leader, Shaheed Bhutto to favour & protect the financially weak farmers, industrial labour unions and the middle class elements, which is the manifesto and ultimate goal of the Pakistan People’s party. He added that the provincial government supports the industrialists for their industrial peace, so that economic activities may flourish and create job opportunities for the people of the province.

He said “we are very much focused on the implementation of labour laws and policy so that skilled and unskilled labour can lead a healthier and brighter life.”

Murad Shah said that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and thousands of their followers have sacrificed their lives for restoration and strengthen of democracy in the country.

He said that this Conference would generate some of the valuable guidelines for the provincial government to formulate `New Labour Policy’ acceptable to the all stakeholders.

Murad Ali Shah announced to create seven different bodies, each one for industrial rea of Karachi to resolve the issue between workers and industrialists in Karachi. These bodies would have employers and workers on the board.

The chief minister urged the industrialists to implement minimum wage for which labour department must coordinate with the industrialists.

The Labour minister, Syed Nasir Shah speaking on the occasion highlighted the measures he has taken for welfare of workers. He vowed to establish an exemplary relationship between the workers and the labourers. Those who spoke on the occasion include ILO country director, Ch Manzoor and others.

Published in Daily Times, December 12^th 2017.