To commemorate International Labour Day, the Punjab Assembly unanimously approved a 15% increase in the base rates of minimum wages for laborers, marking the first adjustment in 14 years. The resolution, proposed by Punjab Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond during a special session honoring ‘Kirti Divas’ (Labour Day), received unanimous support. Minister Sond highlighted the essential role of workers in driving the nation’s progress and emphasized their contributions to development projects and milestones.
The Minister shed light on the historical significance of May Day, tracing back to the labor movement at Haymarket Square in Chicago in 1886, which advocated for an eight-hour workday. He described the day as a symbol of social justice and an ongoing quest for improved working conditions and labor rights. Minister Sond also referenced Punjab’s cultural heritage, drawing from Guru Nanak Dev’s teachings that emphasized the dignity of labor and the importance of sharing one’s labor’s fruits with those in need.
Addressing the outdated wage structure, Minister Sond noted that Punjab’s minimum wage base rate had not been revised since 2012, despite periodic increases in dearness allowance. Recognizing the impact on society, the government decided to alleviate the burden on laborers by increasing the minimum wages. The resolution aimed to ensure that workers received fair compensation and recognition for their significant contributions to the state’s advancement and prosperity.
The passage of the resolution underscored the Assembly’s collective dedication to the well-being and empowerment of laborers throughout Punjab. Minister Sond concluded by reciting a poignant poem by Punjabi poet Sant Ram Udaasi and highlighting the state government’s initiatives supporting laborers.
