Crackdown against minimum wage violators

Businesses slapped with penalties in excess of Rs2.1m

RAWALPINDI:

The provincial labour department found over 4,000 industrial and commercial establishments in the violation of minimum wage laws in the Rawalpindi division, with violators fined more than Rs2.1 million and owners instructed to compensate employees for lost wages.

The provincial government, on the advice of the Minimum Wages Board, had increased salaries for unskilled and semi-skilled workers from Rs25,000 to Rs32,000 for 26 working days of eight hours each. The notification for the same was issued in September, which implied that salaries paid in October were to be paid in line with the new laws.

In its inspections, the labour department issued challans to 4,154 institutions of the private sector. The prosecution resulted in fines Rs2,154,500, with proceedings against 1,118 institutions ongoing.

As part of efforts to implement the law, the labour and human resources department inspected businesses in the division and issued challans to 4,154 organizations over minimum wage violations. The cases were sent to the magistrate for prosecution which issued the fines.

Also read: CM orders implementation of Rs32,000 minimum pay 

Samiullah Khan, who is the divisional director of the labour department, said that violators were fined between Rs5,000 to Rs25,000. They could be given prison terms of up to six months, he said.

Khan said that his department had sought the support of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry to implement the minimum wage law and ensure businesses paid their employees at least Rs32,000.

He added that along with ensuring adherence to minimum wage laws, companies should provide their employees with a decent working environment. The provision of clean drinking water, a workplace that is well lit and ventilated while abiding by health and safety protocols is the bare minimum that an employer should provide, he remarked.

Special schools

The federal government’s caretaker administration has granted approval for the appointment of 388 teachers across all special education institutions.

All of these appointments will be done via the Punjab Public Service Commission. Transgender individuals are also encouraged to apply for these positions, with age relaxation considerations in place.

Read: Over 600 teachers challenge hiring process

The age limit for female and transgender candidates is set at 35 years, while male candidates must adhere to an age limit of 33 years. All successful candidates will be appointed at Grade 16.

Sources said the recruitment drive will encompass 260 junior special education teachers, 25 junior special education teachers (handicapped), 30 educators, four personal assistants, 23 mathematics teachers, and 50 psychologists.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 25^th, 2023.