Labour Commissioner reviews progress of PM-SYM Scheme, Labour Codes implementation in Ganderbal
Stresses coordinated efforts to expand social security coverage for unorganised workers
GANDERBAL, JULY 31 (PTK): Labour Commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir, Charandeep Singh, on Friday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) Scheme and the preparedness of departments for the implementation of the Labour Codes in Ganderbal district.
The meeting, held at the Conference Hall of the Mini Secretariat, Ganderbal, was co-chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Fahim Bihaqqi.
Senior officers from various line departments, including the District Programme Officer Poshan/ICDS, General Manager District Industries Centre (DIC), Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD), Executive Engineers of R&B, JPDCL, Jal Shakti, PMGSY, Irrigation & Flood Control and Rural Engineering Wing, Chief Education Officer, Officer Commanding Beacon, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Horticulture Officer, Assistant Director Fisheries, Assistant Director FCS&CA, Assistant Labour Commissioner Ganderbal, Block Development Officers, Chief Executive Officer Municipal Council Ganderbal, Assistant Director Handlooms/Handicrafts, Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), representatives of the Central University of Kashmir, APCO Sonamarg Tunnel Project, MEIL Zojila Tunnel Project and NHAI Ring Road Project, besides other officials, attended the meeting.
The meeting reviewed the progress achieved under the PM-SYM Scheme, assessed departmental preparedness for implementing the Labour Codes and discussed measures to strengthen inter-departmental coordination for extending social security benefits to workers across different sectors.
Addressing the meeting, the Labour Commissioner described the Labour Codes as a major reform aimed at simplifying labour laws, promoting ease of compliance, improving industrial relations, strengthening occupational safety and expanding social security coverage for workers.
He elaborated on the key provisions of the Labour Codes and stressed the need for their effective implementation through coordinated efforts of all stakeholder departments.
The Labour Commissioner emphasized that every department engaging contractual, casual, outsourced or unorganised workers has a responsibility to identify eligible beneficiaries, create awareness and facilitate their enrolment under the PM-SYM Scheme and other labour welfare programmes.
He urged all Heads of Departments and field functionaries to work closely with the Labour Department to maximise registration of eligible workers and ensure that social security benefits reach the grassroots level.
Singh observed that departments such as Rural Development, Public Works, Jal Shakti, PMGSY, Irrigation & Flood Control, Power Development, Municipal Council, Industries, Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, Education, Transport, Handicrafts, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, along with major executing agencies including NHAI, MEIL, APCO and Beacon, engage a substantial workforce and therefore have a crucial role in ensuring compliance with labour laws and extending social security coverage.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Fahim Bihaqqi underscored the need for a coordinated district-level approach for effective implementation of the Labour Codes and the PM-SYM Scheme.
He stressed that active participation of all stakeholder departments is essential for ensuring compliance with labour legislations and extending social security benefits to every eligible worker. He also called for awareness and enrolment drives at the block and field levels to enhance outreach and coverage.
During the interactive session, officers from various departments discussed challenges in identifying and registering eligible workers and deliberated on measures to improve inter-departmental convergence.
The Labour Commissioner directed all departments to nominate nodal officers, maintain close coordination with the Labour Department and undertake sustained awareness campaigns for effective implementation of the Labour Codes and labour welfare schemes.
The meeting concluded with participating departments and executing agencies reaffirming their commitment to strengthen coordination, intensify awareness and registration drives, and ensure wider coverage of eligible unorganised workers under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) Scheme.(PTK)
