Labour Ministry assures support for disabled persons

Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir said that since the ‘Persons with Disability Bill’ was sent to a select committee, the ministry is now tasked with guaranteeing proper workplace accommodation for the disabled, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

The workshop was held at the Labour, Occupation, Safety and Health (LOSH) Office on Brickdam which houses the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA).

Nadir disclosed that the agency has already secured employment for a differently-abled person and he noted that labour officers will be expected to conduct workplace inspections with disabled persons in mind and ensure employers adhere to stipulations.

A year ago, the Disability Commission visited the Labour Ministry and began lobbying for support to accelerate the passage of the Disability Bill and during National Week on Disability, organised to have the workshop.

Last week, the ministry launched a software programme to have all its complaints and accident reports digitized, GINA reported.

The ministry has also redesigned its building with a view of setting a ‘best practices standard’ and creating a more pleasant environment suitable for its health and safety policy.

The minister explained that the brightly-painted office is now equipped with telephones at each desk and is air-conditioned.

Meanwhile, Leadership Development Advisor of Volunteer Services Organisa-tion (VSO) Katherine Belen disclosed that because of widespread support, more organizations have experienced renewed vigour to achieve the enabling conditions which allow disabled persons to thrive.

She stated that collaboration with other ministries is vital since disability issues are all inclusive.