Chandigarh, 01 May (H.S.): Marking International Labour Day, Punjab Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Friday tabled a major 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 Assembly session held to observe Kirti Divas (Labour Day).
The minister thanked Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for approving a 15 percent hike in the basic rates of minimum wages, calling it a much-needed relief for workers. He said the special session was historic as it was being held on May 1 after nearly 69 years to honour labourers for their contribution to society, the economy and nation-building.
While moving the resolution, Sond said every development project and milestone of progress is built on the hard work, dedication and sacrifices of workers. He highlighted the significance of Labour Day, recalling the historic Haymarket Square movement in Chicago in 1886, where workers fought for the right to an eight-hour workday.
The minister also referred to Punjab’s cultural and spiritual heritage, citing the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the principles of “Kirat Karo, Naam Japo and Vand Chhako,” which emphasize the dignity of labour.
Sond informed the House that Punjab’s minimum wage base rates were last revised in 2012. Although dearness allowance had been increased periodically, the basic wage rates remained unchanged for over a decade. He said the state government has now taken a decisive step to provide financial relief to labourers.
The resolution aims to ensure that workers are fairly compensated for their contribution to Punjab’s growth and prosperity. Its unanimous passage reflected the collective commitment of the House towards labour welfare.
During his address, the Labour Minister also recited an emotional poem by revolutionary Punjabi poet Sant Ram Udasi and highlighted several welfare initiatives introduced by the Bhagwant Mann-led government for workers.
Cabinet Ministers Adv. Harpal Singh Cheema and Lal Chand Kataruchak, along with MLAs Principal Budh Ram, Labh Singh Ugoke and Sarvjit Kaur Manuke, also participated in the discussion and supported the resolution.
Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH
