LAHORE: In a significant development, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz has ordered strict action against businesses not implementing the minimum wage across the province on Friday.
Maryam Nawaz also instructed the registration of workers across shops, workshops and small businesses during a meeting with the provincial Labour Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar.
According to CM Punjab, registered workers will be entitled to different financial benefits from government schemes under the labour department.
It merits a mention that Punjab’s labour laws have a minimum monthly wage of Rs37,000 for all workers across the province.
However, labour rights are seldom followed, particularly the minimum wage across shops, workshops or small firms.
Meanwhile, a comprehensive plan to introduce the ration card for all labourers was also discussed during the meeting.
She ordered strict instructions to ensure implementation of minimum monthly wages in shops, petrol pumps, and factories across Punjab.
CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz also instructed the provincial labour minister to improve the working conditions for labourers working in industrial units.
She directed the authorities to provide clean and healthy working environments to workers across Punjab.
Additionally, Maryam Nawaz has also approved the constitution of Sahulat-on-the-Go Bazaars, aimed at providing essential goods at reasonable prices.
The bazaars will be built on state land, in areas such as Multan Road, Raiwind, Faisal Town, Moon Market, Bedian Road, Shahdara, and others.
The sahulat bazars will begin with a pilot project in Lahore, where 816 stalls will be set up at 14 roadside locations.
These markets will sell food and other basic items in small, uniform cottage-style shops placed alongside the roads.
