December 24, 2008	Wednesday	Zilhaj 25, 1429

KARACHI, Dec 23: Sindh Labour Minister Amir Nawab has vowed that the government will make every effort in order to ensure the full enforcement of minimum wages and the complete implementation of labour laws.

Addressing officers of the Labour department in connection with the implementation of said laws, Mr Nawab asked them to ensure that industrial and commercial organisations are complying with regulations. “It is your responsibility to make sure these laws are implemented while fulfilling legal requirements,” he told them.

Mr Nawab pointed out that whenever a popular government is in power, the expectations of the public are high. He said it was for this reason that the government raised the minimum wage from Rs4,600 to Rs6,000 soon after taking power.

The minister made it clear that the ban on labour unions had been lifted, and asserted that workers can now take advantage of labour laws. He added that it was the responsibility of labour department officials to provide them with the protection of these laws.

Responding to an official’s remark, Mr Nawab said that a labour court has been established. He also said that consideration will be given to deal with labour cases before the special judicial magistrate for the labour department, in order to speed up enforcement of laws.

Mr Nawab called upon the officials present to maintain links with one another, regardless of their sections, so that performance of the department is made more efficient. He added that his door is always open for them, and that the objective of convening meetings with them periodically was to review performance and discuss issues.

Mr Nawab said he believes in accountability, and a committee of officers is now reviewing their performance, while he was also keeping a watch on them. He announced that those officials who performed well will be duly rewarded, and action will be taken against those who do not.

The minister said that development of the province is only possible when workers focus on their tasks and are not pre-occupied with concerns regarding their job.

He said creating such an environment is the responsibility of the labour department.

“You should work in a manner such that people can feel the difference between the last government and this one,” he said, adding that “we work as a bridge between employers and employees, and should bring them closer to each other.”—APP