Islamabad: October 09, 2024
Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, presided over a cheque distribution ceremony in Islamabad for the disbursement of marriage and death grants to industrial workers. The event, organized by the Workers Welfare Fund (WWF), was attended by dignitaries from the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI), Bureau of Emigration, Directorate of Workers Education (DWE), Labour Federation, OGDCL, Attock Oil Refinery, and Geir Tonstol, Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Pakistan. The event aimed to recognize the invaluable contributions of industrial workers to the nation’s economic progress.
During the ceremony, Minister Salik Hussain distributed 81 marriage grants, each amounting to Rs. 400,000, and 8 death grants, each amounting to Rs. 800,000. These grants are intended to alleviate the financial burden on workers and their families during significant life events.
In his address, the Minister expressed deep appreciation for the dedication and hard work of industrial workers. He emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to labor welfare, noting that such grants are vital in supporting families during critical life events such as marriages and personal loss. The Minister also reminded factory owners and industrial workers of their statutory obligations under the Workers Welfare Profit Participation Act of 1968 and the Workers Welfare Fund Ordinance of 1971 to remit funds to the government of Pakistan regularly. These contributions, he noted, would enable the introduction of new welfare initiatives benefitting workers and their families.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain reiterated the government’s vision of prioritizing worker development, in line with the Prime Minister’s directives. He highlighted the launch of new initiatives, including skill development programs, solar energy training, and e-commerce schemes, aimed at empowering workers with enhanced skills and creating opportunities for financial growth.
The Minister also commended the Workers Welfare Fund for awarding 82,883 scholarships to the children of industrial workers, amounting to Rs. 8.087 billion. He announced that for the current year, this amount has been increased to Rs. 9.449 billion, demonstrating the government’s continued commitment to supporting the educational advancement of this critical segment across Pakistan.
Furthermore, Minister Salik Hussain shared that the Workers Welfare Fund has successfully completed 87 residential schemes, 43 flat schemes, and 8 barracks for industrial workers and their families. Initially, an allocation of Rs. 4.436 billion was made for these schemes, but this has now increased to Rs. 5.131 billion. He also announced the upcoming allotment of 500 houses and 1,008 flats in Labour Colony Zone 5 to industrial workers this year.
Geir Tonstol, Country Director of ILO Pakistan, commended the Government of Pakistan for implementing social security measures that address critical life events. He remarked that initiatives like the marriage and death grants are a testament to Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of its workforce and promoting social justice.
The Workers Welfare Fund plays a pivotal role in providing social security and financial assistance to industrial workers across the country. The marriage and death grants are part of WWF’s broader mission to improve the socio-economic well-being of workers and their families.
The event concluded with the distribution of cheques to eligible recipients, bringing much-needed relief to numerous families in the region
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