To improve worker welfare and enhance business operations, a number of key developments have been made by Labour Department.
Labour welfare punjab
Currently, 180 daycare centers are operational at various establishments, with plans to add 300 more in 2024-25. Additionally, 399 Fair Price Shops are functioning at industrial and commercial sites, providing essential goods for workers. A further 413 canteens have been established to cater to the food needs of workers. In response to the growing number of delivery riders, 12,600 riders across 16 delivery companies have been equipped with safety gear under the Chief Minister’s Riders Safety Initiative. A new campaign has also been launched to conduct risk assessments and safety audits at industrial and commercial establishments to ensure safer working conditions.
In terms of administrative ease, online, free-of-cost registration for establishments is now available via the Ease of Doing Business portal, alongside an online labor inspection system through the Labor Inspection Management System (LIMS). For improved grievance handling, a dedicated helpline (1314) has been set up, with a commitment to address complaints within seven days. The Punjab Job Center, which launched in 2023, serves as a platform for both employers and job seekers to register and connect. To date, 70 kiosks have been installed, attracting over 1.058 million users. The platform has registered 935,919 employees and 92,416 employers, with 1,415 jobs posted, 44,492 applicants, and 257 successful job placements.
Punjab employees social security institution
In 2024, Punjab Social Security introduced several landmark initiatives for workers and their families, which not only improved the lives of the labour class but also gave a new dimension to social services. These efforts reflect the Punjab government’s commitment and priorities in public service.
Enhanced Ambulance Services:
27 state-of-the-art ambulances with advanced technology were provided to hospitals and dispensaries, ensuring timely and efficient medical assistance and enhancing overall healthcare services.
Expansion of Healthcare Infrastructure:
Construction of a new 50-bed hospital in Kasur has started, while a new hospital in Sargodha is nearing completion. Additionally, emergency, pediatrics, OPD, and neurology wards at Nawaz Sharif Hospital in Lahore are also in the final stages of construction, marking a significant advancement in healthcare facilities.
Chief Minister Social Security Card:
The introduction of the Chief Minister Social Security Card offers workers discounts on daily items, reducing their financial burden and significantly improving their quality of life. Paper work is being prepared.
Focus on Women’s Health:
Modern breast clinics have been established at Kot Lakhpat and Nawaz Sharif Hospital in Lahore to address women’s health concerns. Plans are also in place to expand these clinics to other hospitals, ensuring better healthcare access for women.
Establishment of Worker Complaint Cell:
A dedicated complaint cell has been set up for the first time to swiftly address and resolve workers’ grievances, offering a more responsive and efficient system for the labor class.
Advancements in Healthcare Services:
Neuro-surgery facilities have been introduced at Nawaz Sharif Hospitals in Faisalabad and Lahore, significantly improving the treatment options for complex diseases and enhancing healthcare outcomes.
Employee Incentives and Organizational Growth:
Punjab Social Security introduced an incentive allowance to recognize and reward employee performance, boosting motivation and productivity. Additionally, plans for constructing a high-rise building at the organization’s head office are underway to support organizational growth.
Financial Stabilization and Recovery Efforts:
An inspection team was activated to recover dues from defaulter units, helping stabilize the financial position of the organization and reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights.
Partnership for Improved Health Services:
Collaborating with the Health Services Academy, Punjab Social Security introduced modern medical training for staff, ensuring that healthcare professionals are equipped with advanced skills. Measures to streamline treatment processes were also implemented to eliminate unnecessary referrals, making healthcare more efficient.
Commitment to Workers and Social Progress:
The initiatives introduced by Punjab Social Security in 2024 have transformed the lives of workers and their families, setting the stage for a brighter, more stable future and underscoring the government’s ongoing commitment to public service and social progress.
Punjab workers welfare funds
In 2024, Punjab Workers Welfare Funds has launched several historic initiatives aimed at improving the living and working conditions of laborers and their Children. A major project has been the development of 504 flats at Hattar Road, Taxila District Rawalpindi, which are now ready for allotment, along with 720 flats adjacent to the Sundar Industrial Estate (Phase-I), also ready for distribution. In addition, a labour colony at Quaid e-Azam Business Park (QABP) is being developed which will include two hostel buildings to accommodate 704 bachelor workers at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.6 billion. Furthermore, the establishment of the W.W. Complex adjacent to Sundar Industrial Estate (Phase-II) is underway, designed to house 720 workers’ families at a projected cost of Rs. 5.73 billion.
A significant step forward in efficiency is the launch of an online portal for processing welfare grant cases, which operates on a First in First Out (FIFO) basis for processing claims. On 10.10.2024, a digital disbursement system for welfare grants was introduced, allowing direct transfers into the accounts of beneficiaries. Over the past four months, 29,466 welfare grant cases have been approved, with grants worth 6.607 billion rupees distributed. A substantial portion of these funds—2.581 billion rupees—has been allocated to 14,635 children under the talent scholarship program, while 1.455 billion rupees has been provided to 2,294 widows of deceased workers. These initiatives represent a deep commitment to supporting both workers and their families, ensuring their well-being and future prosperity in Punjab.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025