On the occasion of International Labour Day, Labour Minister S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond today tabled a significant resolution in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha to revise and increase the base rates of minimum wages for labourers across the state. The resolution was unanimously passed during a special and historic session of the Assembly convened to mark ‘Kirti Divas’ (Labour Day).
The minister also thanked CM S. Bhagwant Singh Mann for enhancing the basic rates of minimum wages by 15 percent. Moving the resolution, the Labour Minister stated that the historic session had been convened after almost 69 years on May 1 to pay homage to the invaluable contributions of workers, who form the backbone of the nation, society, and economy.
He emphasized that every development project and every milestone of progress is made possible through the relentless efforts, dedication, and sacrifices of the working class. Highlighting the historical significance of May Day, he noted that the day commemorates the sacrifices made by workers during the historic movement at Haymarket Square, Chicago, in 1886, which led to the demand for an eight-hour workday.
The day stands as a symbol of social justice and the continuous pursuit of better working conditions and labour rights. The Minister further underlined Punjab’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, recalling the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who emphasized the dignity and importance of labour through the guiding principles of “Kirat Karo, Naam Japo, and Vand Chhako.”
Drawing attention to the current wage structure, the Minister informed the House that the base rate of minimum wages in Punjab was last revised in 2012 and now, the visionary Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has decided to provide much needed relief to the labourers.
He added that though the dearness allowance has seen periodic increases since then, the base rate has remained unchanged which cost dear to the major section of the society. Recognizing the need for timely revision, the House strongly recommended that the Government take a decisive step to enhance the minimum wages.
The resolution seeks to ensure that workers are duly acknowledged, fairly compensated, and rewarded for their immense contribution to the state’s growth and prosperity. The unanimous passage of the resolution reflects the collective commitment of the House to the welfare and upliftment of labourers across Punjab.
The labour minister also recited an emotional peom of revolutionary Punjabi poet, Sant Ram Udaasi. He also highlighted the noble initiatives of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government taken in favour of the labourers. Cabinet Ministers Adv. Harpal Singh Cheema, Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak, MLAs Principal Budh Ram, Labh Singh Ugoke, Sarvjit Kaur Manuke among other members participated in the discussion.