Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered Secretary Law Sindh to frame the rules of Sindh Employees' Social Security Act, 2016 in one month. A division bench of the SHC issued these orders after a hearing a petition related to social security payment. The court observed that Despite lapse of considerable period, the 'rules' have not been framed, as acknowledged by the Law Officer which, being driving tools, were / are required to be framed.

The court in its order observed that applicability of the act is confined to 'socially secured' only. "How can one be expected to know the benefits of an available unless is told?"

The court stated that it is always the legal obligation duty of the department, including labour department to make benefits divulged to labour class. Therefore, both Commissioner (SESSI) as well as labour department are directed to come in contact with each other in sharing list of such class of people and to inform both employer and employee of balance between their rights and obligations and that how such balance can help both towards social security of employee without much burden upon them, it added.

The court ordered Commissioner Sessi to appear on the next date with complete detail/breakup of last 10 years including registration of workers and awareness program they have initiated to ensure the registration of workers, public sector and private sector. The court also directed Secretary Labour Department to appear and ensure that Sessi is introduced to common man and directions have been issued to Deputy Commissioner for awareness massage as well.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019