KARACHI: In an initiative to streamline worker registration and enhance industrial labor services, the Sindh Labour Department will establish a 'Labour Registration Helpdesk' at the SITE Association of Industry every Tuesday and Thursday. Secretary Labour Sajid Jamal Abro made this announcement during his visit to the association, accompanied by senior officials including the SESSI Commissioner and Director Labour Sindh, following a suggestion by SAI President Abdul Hadi.

According to S.I.T.E Association of Industry, Abro encouraged industrialists to report any registration-related corruption and recommended using the S-BOSS platform for worker registration. Additionally, the secretary revealed plans to upgrade healthcare services at the Kulsumbai Valika Social Security S.I.T.E. Hospital through a public-private partnership model, promising noticeable improvements in service delivery.

Addressing the previous year's HIV outbreak at Valika Hospital, Abro stated that actions had been taken against those responsible, with a committee formed under the Chief Secretary Sindh. An endowment fund of PKR 2 billion has been established, providing monthly financial assistance of PKR 40,000 to affected families.

SAI President Abdul Hadi expressed optimism that Secretary Abro's expertise would assist in resolving Labor Department issues, suggesting the consolidation of its five departments to simplify business operations. Concerns were raised about the Labour Department conducting two annual inspections instead of one, and updates on reforms at the hospital and HIV outbreak were sought.

Patron Saleem Parekh warned of potential industrial layoffs due to unfavorable business conditions, suggesting a one-year contribution amnesty and highlighting the impact of trade agreements and labor union activities. He called for collaborative solutions to these challenges.

Senior Member Majyd Aziz criticized labor leaders' anti-export activities and their representation in committees, advocating for identifying gaps and imposing penalties only after corrective opportunities.

Former President Riaz Uddin called for reforms in the tripartite labor committee, citing inadequate representation and nominee understanding. Chairman Khalid Riaz urged for transparent audit reports from SESSI and recommended allocating 25% of SESSI contributions from SITE to improve Valika Hospital's facilities.

The meeting, attended by various industry representatives, concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Senior Vice President Muhammad Farhan Ashrafi, who presented a shield and bouquet to the chief guest as a gesture of goodwill.