KP Assembly expresses concerns over poor welfare in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
PESHAWAR (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly members here Wednesday expressed serious concerns over the poor welfare of the working class, deteriorating condition of social security, and disputes faced by educational institutions.
Opposition members raised public issues on the floor of the House through calling-attention notices.
During the assembly session, Pakistan Muslim League (N) member Faiza Malik presented a calling-attention notice, stating that the Social Welfare and Social Security institutions established for the welfare of laborers across the province have remained inactive and extremely slow for the past two years.
As a result, thousands of families have been deprived of relief and are facing severe legal, social, and economic difficulties.
Faiza Malik said that 460 units in the province have become non-functional, leaving a large number of workers unemployed and under severe mental stress.
She said that the marriage grant provided for a worker’s daughter is paid after three years, while the renewal of the social security medical card takes two years. Consequently, the working class is deprived of basic facilities such as medical treatment.
Responding to the calling-attention notice, the concerned minister, Faisal Tarki, informed the House that a committee has been formed regarding the allotment of quarters to workers in the Hattar Industrial Estate, while residential facilities are also being provided to workers in Regi and Swabi.
Grants for the past two years have been paid; however, these grants are received from the federal government, which has provided only Rs. 1.5 billion so far against a total of Rs. 14 billion.
The minister further stated that a meeting with the federal minister is expected soon regarding six months of outstanding dues. He added that the system for renewing social security cards is being streamlined, and the department is moving toward digitalization to ensure timely provision of facilities to workers.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party member Mehr Sultana also presented a calling-attention notice, stating that the building of a girls’ school and college established by the Education Employees Foundation in Kotla Mohsin Khan is currently facing a serious dispute. She said that the building was handed over to the Education Department in 2001 by former Governor Iftikhar Hussain, but the Cooperative Department is now demanding its vacation.
Mehr Sultana warned that due to this dispute, the educational future of 600 female students could be at risk. She added that the land belongs to the federal government and has been formally handed over to the Education Employees Foundation.
Minister for Higher Education Meena Afridi informed the House that the dispute between the Cooperative Society and the Education Department is under consideration. A summary has been forwarded in this regard, and it is hoped that the decision will come in favor of the Education Department, thereby safeguarding the future of the students.
