IN 2010 the PPP government revised the minimum wage for unskilled worker. Under the Minimum Wages Ordinance 1961, and new Labour Policy 2010, all industrial, commercial and other establishments registered under any law would pay Rs7,000 a month or Rs269.23 a day.

The government issued this regulation for all industries, including the private sector. But the situation in the private sector is awful. They are exploiting the rights of unskilled labour. Messengers, sweepers and some other unskilled labourers are not enjoying this minimum wage rate.

The irony is that even some skilled labourers are not receiving the minimum wage rate meant for unskilled workers. There are some big names in the private sector who are not paying their workers the minimum wage rate.

The private sector should also be called into question for not paying the minimum wages to their workers. The authority concerned should take this issue into its consideration.

M. MUKARRAM Lahore