KARACHI, Oct 7: The Employees' Old Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) has registered 3,829 mine workers after bringing into the books of the institution around 70 mining concerns in Balochistan.

This was only possible after the EOBI Board of Trustees in a policy decision sorted out intricate legal issues and reported in Pakistan Law Journal (PLJ)-2004, Tr.C.133 and PLJ-2004, Tr.C.193.

Under the policy to provide coverage to neglected areas, the mine sector was one of the major areas where no old-age benefits were being availed. In view of clear and accepted legal position, the mine owners association of Quetta was persuaded to adopt a self-assessment scheme and ensure registration of all mine workers employed by them for the mutual benefit of mine owners and their workers.

According to a report submitted by the zonal head of Quetta, 3,829 mine workers, including coal cutters, had been registered with the EOBI. So far 70 mining concerns stand registered with the institution and more than 20 of which had adopted the self-assessment scheme.