Residential colony being planned for SDA workers

Khyber Paktunkhwa, Minister for Industries & Commerce, Syed Ahmad Hussain Shah has said that government would establish a separate residential colony for the employees of Sarhad Development Authority (SDA), saying that for the purpose, a piece of land would be acquired very shortly.
Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected cabinet of SDA Employees Welfare Union (CBA), here on Saturday, he said that a piece of land would be acquired to construct the colony. He said that the government has taken a number of steps for the welfare of employees and development of the department. He informed that the government has sanctioned rupees 10 million for payment of pension to the retiring employees of Small Industries Development Board (SIDB) and the same benefit would pass on to SDA employees.
Shah stressed upon SDA Welfare Union to nurture non-political environment in the department and called for taking initiatives for welfare of workers on equality basis. He directed the employees to work in their own domain instead of interfering in bureaucratic level affairs. He called for working towards the betterment of employees instead of fostering political and specific agenda. "We will not tolerate any political activities and sole party agenda in SDA employees union, he warned.
He clarified that he did not intervene in the matters of SDA to have smooth working relations with the employees and officials of the department, saying that there is a need to jointly work for the development of department and its employees.
Referring to certain demands of SDA employees Welfare Union, the minister directed immediate up-gradation of employees withholding from several months. He said the government has already announced a bonus package for SDA employees. He, however, asked SDA administration for provision of bonus to the rest of employees.
In his address, Mohammad Amjad Ali, President CBA pointed out certain issues confronting the employees. Earlier, the provincial minister administered oath to the newly elected office bearers of SDA Employees Union. He announced to increase Eid bonus for them. About the pending issue of gratuity, he assured that it would resolve with the passage of time. Mohammad Akbar Khan, Chairman SDA, Mohammad Nawaz, Director Finance, senior officials, and a large number of employees were present on the occasion.