Kathmandu, May 1: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that the incumbent government was working seriously to lay foundation for prosperity and respect for labour by prioritizing manufacturing along with employment in the upcoming fiscal year’s policies, programme and budget.
In his message to all Nepali workers at home and abroad on the occasion of the International Labour Day, also known as May Day, that falls on May 1, Prime Minister Dahal shared that contribution-based social security programme was implemented to secure welfare of the workers working abroad and those engaged in government and semi-government sector as well as social sector.
Stating that the Constitution of Nepal had recognized labour rights as the fundamental rights, Dahal asserted that the constitution guarantees the rights of the workers to run trade unions, to unite for their cause and indulge in collective bargaining among others to protect and promote their rights.
Acknowledging the working class was also the basis for the multifaceted development of the State, the Head of the Government clarified that equality, dignity, social justice and prosperity would not be possible until the rights and welfare of the working class was ensured.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister in his message said, “The Constitution of Nepal has guaranteed the welfare of the workers by embracing this reality. It is our important responsibility to put the same constitutional provision into practice.”
Reaffirming the commitment of the government towards International Labour Organization conventions as well as other labour related conventions ratified by Nepal, Dahal assured that the government was continuously working to generate adequate employment opportunities at home to prevent brain drain among the youth and intellectual human resources.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to leverage knowledge, skills and energy of the youths for the greater good of the country, the Prime Minister spoke of the need to make foreign employment sector safer, dignified and well-regulated until there were sufficient employment opportunities in the country.
Wishing workers all over the world on the occasion, he also expressed his happiness towards the Nepali workers, trade unions and organizations working for the cause of workers for becoming more united, capable, professional and maintaining professional dignity lately.
The Prime Minister also expressed his confidence that the day would further inspire one and all to establish the rights of the workers. The International Labour Day is being observed on May 1 worldwide including Nepal in commemoration of the workers’ movement in Chicago, the USA, in 1886 that demanded respect and rights for workers.
