HYDERABAD: Speakers at the ‘Women agriculture workers’ convention’ held in Hala town of Matiari on Tuesday demanded regularisation of houses for farm workers, construction of more houses for them in their respective villages, proper implementation of the Sindh Women Agriculture Workers Act 2019 and other labour laws.

The convention was organised by the Sindh Community Foundation (SCF) in collaboration with the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). Over 300 women cotton pickers and farm workers attended it.

Lamenting the deteriorating socio-economic condition of peasants amid inadequate health facilities and low wages, they called for extending all possible facilities to growers as per the act, Employees’ Old-age Benefits Act 1976, Sindh Employees Social Security Act 1965 and other relevant laws.

Sindh Abadgar Board (SAB) leader Syed Nadeem Shah told the audience that the situation of agriculture sector was deteriorating with each passing day in the absence of comprehensive policies, good governance and proper attention. Women farm workers, especially cotton pickers, were working hard but they were being neglected in terms of wages and facilities. “They need to be protected by the government on a top priority basis,” he said.

He stated that though they worked under the scorching sun all the day long, still they were unable to earn as much wage as they might need to provide for their families.

“Services of the labour department leave a lot to be desired. There are good laws for protecting the labour rights in the agriculture sector, but the government pays less attention to them (labour rights),” labour leader Taj Mari said.

He said that implementation of the laws must be initiated at a local level to benefit all the needy and poor peasants. He also stressed the need for registration of workers at this local level, raising wages of cotton workers at least to the minimum wage as per the rules and regulations. The labour department must strictly monitor injustices being faced by the growers, he urged.

South Asia Partnership Pakistan Hyderabad coordinator Shahnaz Sheedi highlighted grievances, including health hazards, safety and other issues, faced by poor workers in fields.

She said the labour department should mobilize, apprise and monitor growers for their welfare.

Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2021