KP CM Advocates Minimum Wage Implementation for Workers

PESHAWAR: In a significant move aimed at safeguarding the rights of workers, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has firmly stated that there will be no compromise on the rights of laborers. During a recent meeting with the Labour Department, he emphasized the urgent need for the implementation of minimum monthly wages, regardless of the circumstances.

The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, included key figures such as the Provincial Minister for Labour, Fazal Shakoor, the Secretary Labour, and the Advocate General, among other relevant authorities. Together, they discussed various measures to enhance the welfare of laborers and workers, particularly those employed in industrial units and brick kilns.

One of the chief minister's primary directives was to ensure that all laborers and workers in the industrial sector have bank accounts set up for the direct transfer of their salaries. This initiative aims to streamline payment processes and ensure that workers receive their earnings promptly and securely.

Furthermore, Gandapur instructed the authorities to engage with industry owners to develop a comprehensive policy that protects the rights of laborers. He highlighted the importance of providing job security for workers and establishing a platform where they can voice their complaints and seek justice against any form of exploitation.

Particularly concerning was the chief minister's acknowledgment of the harsh conditions faced by workers in brick kilns. He expressed his commitment to preventing any form of cruelty or excesses against these vulnerable workers. Gandapur stated, "We will not allow the exploitation of those workers in any circumstances," underscoring the government's responsibility to protect this oppressed segment of society.

To further support these efforts, the chief minister directed the registration of brick kilns and the compilation of data regarding the laborers working in these facilities. This data will be crucial for implementing protective measures and ensuring that the rights of brick kiln workers are upheld.

Additionally, Gandapur called for the Labour Department to devise a clear action plan to safeguard the rights of brick kiln workers and to ensure that the government’s announced incentives reach them effectively. He also stressed the importance of completing the digitization process for better management of the Employees Social Security Institute (ESSI), which will enhance the overall efficiency of labor welfare programs.

The KP Chief Minister's firm stance on labor rights reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect the most vulnerable workers in society. By implementing minimum wage laws and ensuring that laborers have access to their rightful earnings, the government is taking essential steps toward creating a fairer and more just working environment. It is crucial for all stakeholders, including industry owners and government officials, to collaborate in fostering a culture of respect and dignity for workers, ensuring that their rights are not just acknowledged but actively protected.