Workers Welfare Board Expands Support for Women and Minority Industrial Workers
KARACHI – In a landmark move aimed at empowering working women and minority communities, the Workers Welfare Board Sindh has announced the expansion of its electric bike distribution scheme.The initiative, previously focused on women, will now also benefit industrial workers from minority backgrounds.
Secretary Rafiq Qureshi confirmed the development, stating that the board is taking concrete steps to promote inclusivity and mobility among underrepresented segments of the workforce. The provision of electric bikes is seen as a major step forward in improving access to workplaces, particularly for women and minorities who face transportation challenges.
Comprehensive Welfare Reforms: Housing, Health, and Education
In addition to the e-bike program, the Workers Welfare Board is rolling out a series of major reforms aimed at enhancing the lives of industrial workers. As part of a new financial strategy, the board will invest Rs. 3 billion in Shariah-compliant Sukuk bonds approved by the SECP, with the goal of generating sustainable resources to support future welfare initiatives.
Key highlights of the welfare reforms include:
- Health Insurance: Workers will receive annual accidental health coverage of up to Rs. 700,000, with access to treatment across 270 hospitals nationwide.
- Housing: Instead of traditional apartment flats, solar-powered homes will be constructed for workers to promote energy sustainability.
- Education: All schools under the board’s jurisdiction will be solarized, and students will be provided with two school uniforms per year.
- Digital Transformation: The board is digitizing its departments to ensure transparency and efficient service delivery.
Moreover, under the directives of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, the death grant is being raised from Rs. 700,000 to Rs. 1 million, and the marriage grant from Rs. 300,000 to Rs. 500,000, signaling a significant boost in financial support for workers and their families.
Secretary Qureshi emphasized that these reforms represent a new chapter for workers in Sindh, offering renewed hope and a tangible commitment to improving quality of life through better access to health, housing, education, and clean energy.
