Telangana Raises Hamali Charges, Enhances Workers' Benefits
According to civil supplies department officials, discussions between hamali unions and the government, which had been underway for several months, concluded positively following concerns raised over logistical challenges during the recent paddy procurement season.
Hyderabad: The Telangana government has approved a significant increase in handling charges (hamali rates) for workers involved in paddy procurement across the state, a move aimed at easing labour shortages and improving procurement operations.
Under the revised rates, loading and unloading charges have been increased by ₹4, from ₹29 to ₹33. Within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits, the rate has been raised by ₹4.50 to ₹33.50. The official government order formalising the hike is expected shortly.
According to civil supplies department officials, discussions between hamali unions and the government, which had been underway for several months, concluded positively following concerns raised over logistical challenges during the recent paddy procurement season.
Officials said the revised rates are expected to address shortages of hamali workers, speed up grain procurement at paddy purchase centres (PPCs) and reduce delays faced by farmers during peak arrivals. The yasangi procurement season is nearing completion, with officials expecting the process to conclude within the next two to three days. So far, 72.30 lakh metric tonnes of paddy have been procured during the current yasangi season.
Chigulla Srinivas, president of the Hamali Workers Union of the Telangana State Civil Supplies Corporation (TGCSC), said assurances had been given that details relating to honorary retirement benefits for hamali workers with 30 to 40 years of service would be incorporated in the government order.
“It was agreed that health security cards for active hamali workers would be implemented within two months. The ex gratia payment in the event of a worker’s natural or accidental death has been fixed at ₹5 lakh,” he said.
He added that the Dasara bonus for hamali workers had been increased by ₹1,000, from ₹7,500 to ₹8,500. Financial assistance for funeral expenses has also been enhanced by ₹10,000, raising it from ₹20,000 to ₹30,000.
