Maryam announces free flats for workers in Taxila, Sunder colonies

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced 1,224 free flats for workers in Taxila and Sunder labour colonies.

Maryam Nawaz, while chairing a review meeting on the performance of Labour Department, directed to pay death and marriage grants of Rs6 billion to labour. She said that death and marriage grants were not paid to 29,000 workers in the previous regime.

The chief minister announced 1,224 free flats for workers in the Taxila and Sunder labour colonies. She also directed the construction of two hostels for women workers in the Garment City. She said free accommodation will be provided to 704 women workers in Sheikhupura. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also reviewed the workers scholarship programme, the establishment of labour colonies and health facility projects for workers, besides reforms in the Department of Labour, Occupational Safety and Health, and implementation of minimum wage laws.

She said the Punjab government has set a minimum wage of Rs37,000 per month in the current budget. “It is our responsibility to protect the rights of every worker in Punjab.”

The chief minister asked to immediately take all stakeholders into confidence to get the minimum wage implemented. It is painful that every worker is not getting full wages, she said.

Maryam asked officials to ensure the implementation of safety protocols and SOPs at the workplace besides use of safety gear for sanitary staff while cleaning drains and manholes.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz met the male and female position-holder students of the Lahore Board at the CM Office. She distributed trophies among the position-holder students. She also awarded commendation certificates and prizes to all the students.

The CM awarded cheques of Rs3 lakh each to students securing the first position, Rs2 lakh each to the second position holders, and Rs1 lakh each to the third position holders. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in a meeting with MPA Adnan Afzal Chattha, discussed public welfare projects, public issues and development needs. She said we want to train youth in information technology and digital skills.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken notice of a torture incident of media anchor Ayesha Jahanzeb by her husband. The chief minister sought a report from the IGP in this regard. “Women are my red line; any sort of torture committed against domestic or working women will not be tolerated,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has paid rich tribute to officers and soldiers who were martyred while fighting terrorists in North Waziristan. She offered sincere condolences and expressed her heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families.