Sindh CM holds center responsible for deadlock between farmers, sugar millers

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that 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.

This he said while talking to media at First Tripartite Labour Conference here at a local hotel on Monday.

Sindh Chief Minister speaks at Tripartite Conference (P-I)
Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah speaks at Tripartite Conference organised by Sindh Labour Department at a local hotel.
Abdul Rasheed Channa
Media Consultant to Chief Minister Sindh pic.twitter.com/MnG6UcjjpY

— CMHouseSindh (@SindhCMHouse) December 11, 2017

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

Read More: Sindh cabinet approves Rs9.3/kg additional subsidy on sugar export

He added that the federal government in the last Council of Common Interests (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 give an additional subsidy of Rs 9.3/kg so that millers could get Rs20/kg subsidy to accept Rs182/40 sugarcane price and start crushing.

“I am sorry to say that the federal government despite making decision in CCI has not announced it yet,” he said and added “the federal government is responsible for the present crisis,” he said.

The Sindh CM 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.

LABOUR CONFERENCE:

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

“If your worker is financially satisfied and receives decent wage, he is ensured for life and there is a good working conditions than your industrial unit will flourish,” he said.

Sindh Chief Minister speaks at Tripartite Conference (P-II)
Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah speaks at Tripartite Conference organised by Sindh Labour Department at a local hotel.
Abdul Rasheed Channa
Media Consultant to Chief Minister Sindh pic.twitter.com/0p36kvJE4g

— CMHouseSindh (@SindhCMHouse) December 11, 2017

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.

Read More: ECC allows export of 1.5m metric ton sugar

“We consider it as our mission to serve the workers because we believe they are the main force behind our industrial growth,” he said.

“It is the ultimate goal and promise of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari that Pakistan Peoples party would never compromise on people’s right to liberty, equality, non-discrimination, freedom of association and freedom of speech and to safeguard the rights-based policy agenda which is the fundamental principle of the party.”

The Sindh CM 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.

Sindh Chief Minister speaks at Tripartite Conference (P-III)
Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah speaks at Tripartite Conference organised by Sindh Labour Department at a local hotel.
Abdul Rasheed Channa
Media Consultant to Chief Minister Sindh pic.twitter.com/Ec5Y866Njf

— CMHouseSindh (@SindhCMHouse) December 11, 2017

Murad Ali Shah announced to create seven different bodies, each one for industrial area 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.

He said that after the 18th amendment Workers Welfare Fund (WWF) EOBI have been devolved. “These both the organisations must be strengthened for welfare of workers,” he urged the labour department.

Sindh Chief Minister speaks at Tripartite Conference (P-IV)
Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah speaks at Tripartite Conference organised by Sindh Labour Department at a local hotel.
Abdul Rasheed Channa
Media Consultant to Chief Minister Sindh pic.twitter.com/BdXQC8d70D

— CMHouseSindh (@SindhCMHouse) December 11, 2017

He said that this tripartite conference in which workers, their employers (industrialists) and the regulators (government) have been brought together to discuss their issues and resolve or give recommendation to the government for their resolution. “I am sure would come up with workable, candid and workers welfare oriented recommendations,” he said.

Sindh Labour Minister Syed Nasir Shah highlighted the measures he had 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.