Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has issued directives ensuring that all workers in the province receive a minimum monthly wage of Rs37,000. She emphasized that the provincial government is committed to safeguarding the rights of laborers, ensuring they are paid fairly and treated with dignity.
Chairing a special meeting dedicated to the welfare of workers, CM Maryam Nawaz highlighted her government’s priority of improving the quality of life for Punjab’s labor force. She expressed deep concern over workers struggling to make ends meet, stating that no worker should go to bed hungry or suffer due to financial hardships.
“It is our duty to ensure that hardworking individuals are not deprived of their basic rights. No worker should sleep hungry; no one should suffer or live in distress,” she asserted.
Educational Support for Workers’ Children
In addition to raising wages, CM Maryam Nawaz underscored the importance of education in uplifting laborers’ families. She announced that the government is committed to providing enhanced educational opportunities for the children of workers, particularly those with exceptional academic performance.
“We believe that education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. Talented children of laborers will be given better opportunities to pursue higher education, enabling them to secure a brighter future,” she stated.
She directed the relevant departments to design scholarship programs, financial aid packages, and skill-development initiatives to ensure that children from laborer families receive access to quality education without financial burdens.
Strengthening Labor Laws & Welfare Measures
To further safeguard workers’ rights, CM Maryam Nawaz instructed the authorities to amend labor laws and introduce stronger policies promoting the well-being of employees. She reiterated the government’s responsibility to provide fair wages, quality healthcare, and housing for all laborers.
“Hardworking people are friends of Allah, and we must ensure their well-being. Wages, medical treatment, employment security, and shelter are the government’s responsibility. Punjab will set an example by protecting the dignity and rights of every worker,” she affirmed.
She urged officials to submit proposals for new policies that would not only regulate wages but also improve job security, workplace safety, and social protection programs for laborers across the province.
Approval of Major Worker Welfare Projects
CM Maryam Nawaz also approved several key welfare projects aimed at improving workers’ living conditions. She instructed Provincial Labour Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar to present a detailed action plan for these initiatives, ensuring their timely implementation.
Among the major approved projects are:
- Establishment of Labor Colonies: The government will develop affordable housing projects for workers, ensuring they have safe and comfortable living spaces.
- Revamping Social Security Hospitals: Existing social security hospitals will undergo upgrades and expansion to offer better medical services to workers.
Healthcare Initiatives: Wellness Centres & New Hospitals
Recognizing the need for better healthcare access for workers, CM Maryam Nawaz announced the launch of Maryam Nawaz Wellness Centres in Lahore and Rawalpindi/Islamabad. These centers will pre-screen workers for medical issues, ensuring early diagnosis and timely treatment. Patients requiring specialized care will be referred to larger hospitals for further treatment.
Additionally, she approved two major hospital projects:
- Rehmatul-lil-Alameen Cardiology Centre (200-bed facility) on Lahore’s Defence Road, dedicated to providing specialized heart care services to workers.
- New 50-bed Social Security Hospital in Rahim Yar Khan, aimed at meeting the healthcare needs of laborers in southern Punjab.
CM Maryam Nawaz assured that these projects would be completed on a priority basis, enhancing the overall well-being of workers and their families.
By raising the minimum wage, investing in healthcare and education, and strengthening labor protections, CM Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her commitment to making Punjab a model province for worker welfare.
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