Hattar factories put under scrutiny

A special committee was formed on Saturday to ensure minimum wages and legal rights for workers employed at factories and industrial units in Hattar Industrial Estate. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Haripur Deputy Commissioner Islahuddin, which reviewed workers' welfare, payment of the government-mandated minimum wage and compliance with labour laws. The meeting noted that, despite clear government directives, some factories were not paying workers the prescribed minimum wage and were making them work beyond legally permitted hours. Several industrial units had also failed to register employees, particularly women workers, with the Employees' Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) and Employees' Social Security Institution (ESSI), depriving them of essential medical and financial protection. The committee, headed by the Khanpur Assistant Commissioner, will include representatives of the Labour Department, Industries and Consumer Protection Council, EOBI, ESSI, KPEZDMC, Hattar Economic Zone and the DC's Office. The DC directed the committee to conduct a comprehensive daily survey of all factories and submit reports on wages, working hours, social security and EOBI registration, workplace safety measures, CSR funds and salary payment systems. The industrial estate will also undergo e-mapping through the GIS analyst at the Deputy Commissioner's Office to create a comprehensive geographical record and database of all industrial units. Factories facing complaints over minimum wages, excessive working hours or failure to register workers will be surveyed on a priority basis, with strict legal action promised against violators. According to the DC, he would personally review the committee's performance and survey reports every 15 days to ensure workers received their full legal rights and protection.