KATHMANDU, May 1: Ramji Yadav, Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, has announced three major initiatives on the occasion of the 137th International Workers’ Day.
Issuing a video message on Friday to mark International Labour Day, also known as May Day, Minister Yadav said the first initiative includes the formal launch of a five-year National Occupational Safety and Health Programme. According to him, the programme aims to ensure every worker’s right to safety, health and a secure working environment.
Under the second initiative, the minister announced that labour attachés and consular officials at Nepali embassies abroad will conduct weekly Facebook Live programmes to strengthen direct communication, information dissemination and problem-solving support for Nepali migrant workers. “Wherever you are, the government is with you,” he said.
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As part of the third announcement, Minister Yadav stated that workers affiliated with the contribution-based Social Security Fund will be provided loans at a 6 percent interest rate to purchase land plots.
He also said arrangements have been made for eligible workers to obtain loans of up to Rs 15 million in accordance with existing regulations. In addition, he noted that policy reforms, institutional restructuring and programmes aimed at creating new employment opportunities are also being advanced.
In his video message, Minister Yadav said the government remains committed to ensuring fair wages, dignified working conditions and labour rights for workers across all sectors, embracing the principle that “respect for labour is the foundation of national development.”
“Labour is not limited to one profession or class. From construction workers to doctors treating patients, from farmers working in the fields to legal professionals serving justice, from domestic workers assisting households to engineers developing technology and teachers spreading knowledge — we are all workers,” he said.
He added that everyone is contributing to nation-building from their respective positions, and stressed the need to further strengthen a culture of mutual respect, appreciation and gratitude for each other’s contributions on this special occasion.
