Chandigarh: Punjab Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh presented a significant resolution during the ongoing special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in Chandigarh on Friday to mark International Labour Day. Addressing the assembly, the minister emphasized that the labour force serves as the bedrock of any nation’s progress and development. He stated that the tireless dedication of workers makes all developmental milestones possible, necessitating a robust framework to protect their fundamental rights and ensure their contributions are formally recognized by the state.
The core of the resolution calls for the Punjab government to implement an immediate and substantial increase in the minimum wage for the province’s labour force. Minister Sondh pointed out that the current basic wage rates have not seen a meaningful revision in several years, leaving many workers struggling to cope with the mounting pressures of inflation and the rising cost of essential commodities. The resolution argues that a fair wage adjustment is not merely an economic necessity but a matter of social justice to ensure a dignified standard of living for those at the foundation of the economy.
During the session, the historical significance of May Day was also highlighted, reminding the house of the global struggle for the eight-hour workday and the rights of the working class. The discussion underscored the need for comprehensive welfare measures and improved working conditions to foster an environment where labour is valued and protected. By introducing this resolution, the administration has signaled a commitment to revisiting labour policies to better reflect current economic realities, aiming to bridge the gap between stagnant wages and the evolving needs of the provincial workforce.
