‘Approve home-based workers policy’

LAHORE

Hundreds of home based workers gathered outside the Lahore Press Club and demanded the approval of long- awaited Home Based Workers policy on Thursday. 

“The Punjab government is playing delaying tactics. They don’t want the workers to flourish and empower. We are living under hardships but no policy or law protects us. There are no specific schemes for us, not a single mechanism of ascertaining wages, no complaint mechanism,” the women workers lamented. Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif must announce the HBWs policy on International Labour Day. This was demanded by home based trade unions and CSO representatives at the demonstration. This was the third demo in one month. This time HBWs from Kasur also joined the demonstration. 

“Millions of HBWs are awaiting the approval of legislation for HBWs which would give them right of a worker” said Fazaleet from Kasur. “We would fight for our rights and would march from Kasur to Lahore if our policy is not approved,” she added. “We have been waiting for many years and the government is not ready to listen to us. They are neglecting rights of the workers,” said worker Nazali Javed. 

Irfan Mufti from an organisation alleged that the government is adopting delaying tactics for addressing the demands and needs of the workers. He said HBW being a major portion of the informal sector needs exclusive legislative cover. 

Azra Shaad from an organisation said women empowerment Package 2012 included Home Based workers policy but till date the Punjab government failed to fulfill its commitment for protecting millions home based workers in the province. 

“HBWs should come under the social protection mechanism. The Punjab Economic growth strategy should look into the development informal workers and utilise its potential for generating revenue for the province,” said Ume Laila Azhar, a representative of an organisation. 

Schemes: Provincial Minister for Women Development Hameeda Waheed ud Din chaired a meeting regarding the Annual Development Programme Scheme 2015-16 and 2016-17.

Provincial Secretary Bushra Aman, Dr Mumtaz of Planning and Development Department and other officers were present. Toll-free helpline, employment opportunities for women in private sector, awareness campaigns for self-dependence under the women package, establishment of working women hostels and house workers training schemes were discussed.

The minister asked the officers concerned to submit reports regarding review and implementation of such schemes as soon as possible so that further steps be taken for the progress and self-sufficiency of women.

PU results: Punjab University (PU) has announced the results of MA Economics Part-I Supplementary Examination 2015, MSc Zoology Part-I Supplementary Examination 2015 and BS (four years programme) 8th semester examination 2015.   The detailed results are available at PU website www.pu.edu.pk.