BISP and Labour Day

May 1 reminds us of the historic sacrifice of courageous labourers to secure their fundamental rights. The day is globally acknowledged as the 'Labour Day'. The primary reason for the movement launched by labourers in the 19th century America was harsh and unjustified working environment and unlimited working hours, especially in the industrial areas of Chicago.
In those days, the status of a worker was deemed as a slave and endless injustices and oppression finally resulted in a mass movement of the labourer class. Consequently, some labourers were killed on the behest of employers for the 'crime' of demanding an eight-hour workday. As a result of this sacrifice, the Labour Movement spread all over the world from the United States of America and picked the momentum and resulted in securing relief and concessions for the labourer class.
Since then, a lot has been changed. However, an anti labour/working class has always remained dominant, especially in less developed parts of the world. The plight of labour community in Pakistan has never been different. However, the history of Pakistan is evident that it was the democratic government of Pakistan People's Party under the leadership of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, that not only acknowledged the rights of labourers and peasants but also give them the courage to raise their voice to claim their rights.
It's unfortunate that labour-friendly initiatives of the Pakistan People's Party were not allowed to materialise in the past. Thus, the economic conditions of the labour class in Pakistan remain far below the standards. However, following the legacy of Shaheed Quaid-e-Awam and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, the present government has taken a number of legislative measures to ensure the rights of the labourers including 10% share in industrial profit.
To improve the living standard of the labourer class and to provide maximum economic opportunities to them, the successive democratic governments of Pakistan People's Party have always taken considerable measures. Shaheed Quaid-e-Awam, in this regard, made hectic efforts to provide Pakistani labour class with economic opportunities abroad. This phenomenon ushered in a new era of prosperity for the poor and downtrodden segments of society and it can be termed as an economic revolution for the labour class.
Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is in a way continuity of the same vision. The programme, besides providing monthly cash grants to deserving families as an immediate relief, is also providing demand-driven vocational training to the poor families under Waseela-e-Rozgar scheme relating to job opportunities available both at national and international level. Under the scheme, one member of each deserving family is being imparted skill/vocational training aiming to provide them economic self sustainability.
The initiative will be instrumental in improving the living standards of skilled labourers as the beneficiary families would be imparted training in those areas on priority basis that would be carrying more demand. These measures are in line with the vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto as improving the lives of poor labourers remained her priority throughout her life.
Besides her commitment with democracy and human rights in Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto had shown her complete dedication towards service to working class of the country. The vocational/skills training under Waseela-e-Rozgar initiative of BISP has also been contributing in empowerment and emancipation of working women. Under the initiative, only head of a registered deserving family or her nominated person could be imparted with this modern technical training.
It's worth mention here that the steps of BISP are encouraging women to play their role in the income generation activities. This role of women would bring prosperity for the working/labour class. BISP has taken these measures while acknowledging the fact that the global economic recession and exceptional food inflation triggered the apprehensions that already impoverished would not be able to sustain this economic shock and will plunge deeper into the abyss of poverty and hunger.
The ordinary labour class in Pakistan has also become vulnerable in this scenario. Hence, Benazir Income Support Programme emerged as a long awaited ray of hope for the millions of hapless of this country. The most important aspect of the programme remained its contribution in poverty eradication.
BISP is first-ever such initiative in the social sector of the country, which has gained support and trust of various prestigious international organisations and transparency, objectivity and impartiality have been the hallmark of this programme. To improve the procedure further and ensure utmost transparency, BISP has started a countrywide door-to-door poverty survey.
Similarly, BISP has initiated the payment mechanism through Mobile Phone Banking. This step would not only strengthen the delivery system further but would also facilitate beneficiary families in receiving cash grant without any hassle. With the introduction of this system, BISP will be able to obtain real time reconciliation and check on leakages.
These steps of the BISP would provide relief to people in need, especially, the labour class in an effective, transparent and efficient manner. This initiative has benefited the poorest of the poor in the society. One may hope that these measures would ultimately lead us towards the establishment of a social welfare state. May Day, of course, provides us an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment towards improving the lives of poor labouring class of the country.
(The writer is the Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme)