“This is my promise to you all that I won’t indulge in corrupt practices and advise you to work with honesty and sincerity. The officers who will work with missionary zeal to provide much needed helping hands to the Labourers, Construction Workers and Industrial Labourers, would suitably be awarded by the department” These were the persuading words spoken by Labour Minister, Punjab, Mr. Balbir Singh Sidhu in his keynote address while chairing the maiden meeting of all wings of Labour Department held at the office of CRRID, Chandigarh.Disclosing this official spokesperson said that this high level meeting was convened by the Labour Minister to take stock of the status of various schemes being run by the Labour Department for the welfare of workers. Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Principal Secretary gave detailed presentation to the minister highlighting the present status of each welfare scheme. Mr. Balbir Singh Sidhu asked the officers not to vie for preferential postings. He said that all promotions and posting would be done purely on merit, so the officers should concentrate on delivery and efficient working.
He also instructed all the officers to ensure that all eligible workers and labourers be registered in stipulated time frame so that the financial benefits under the various schemes of Labour Department be extended to them.Spokesperson further said that during the meeting the Minister was appraised about the poor health delivery system at ESI dispensaries which generally deliver health services to the labour class. Mr. Sidhu remarked that it is sorry state of affairs if the ESI dispensaries are not delivering quality health services to the labourers. “I will personally take up the matter with Mr. Brahm Mohindra, Health Minister and will request him to upgrade the infrastructure and manpower at the ESI dispensaries so that basic health care to the labour class may be extended” said Mr. Sidhu. Prominent amongst other who were present in the meeting included Mr. T.S. Dhaliwal, Labour Commissioner, Punjab, Mr. Sodhi Mal, Additional Director, Factories, Mrs. Mona Puri, Additional Labour Commissioner, Mr. M.P. Beri, Joint Director, Factories. Labour- cum- Conciliation officers (LCO), Assistant Director of Factories (ADF) and Deputy Director of Factories (DDF) from all the districts were also present in the meeting.