Labour Minister Emphasizes Self-Reflection to Make Ministry Worker-Friendly

Kathmandu: Minister for Labour, Employment, and Social Security, Rajendra Singh Bhandari, has stated that self-reflection is necessary to make the ministry worker-friendly. 

Speaking on Tuesday at the semi-annual progress review meeting of the Ministry of Labour and its subordinate agencies for the fiscal year 2082/083, he mentioned that the problems and areas for improvement within the ministry should be categorized into three levels for resolution.

He instructed that issues capable of being resolved at the administrative level within the ministry, such as employee transfers and promotions, should be forwarded to the relevant secretary or board chairperson for resolution. He noted that if those levels cannot solve the issues, they can be sent to higher authorities.

"What are the matters that must be resolved from an administrative perspective within this ministry? Please send those to the secretary. The board chairperson can handle issues like employee transfers and promotions. If they cannot resolve it, then it is sent further up," he said.

Minister Bhandari mentioned that the second level of problems involves the creation of syndicates through ill-intentioned acts in the name of laws, rules, and procedures. "It is a truth that most procedures are designed to cause distress to service seekers and workers," he said. "We call ourselves worker-friendly, but that is not reflected in practice; self-reflection is necessary."

He stated that many obstacles could be cleared through the effective application of the procedures mentioned in sub-rule (2)(b) and (3) of Rule 52 of the regulations under the Foreign Employment Act.

"There is a procedural provision in Rule 52 (3) or 2(b) of the regulations under the Foreign Employment Act. By using that procedure, many hurdles can be cleared," he said.

Speaking at the program, Minister Bhandari also mentioned that within a week of becoming minister, he realized how powerful the ministerial position is while making a decision regarding medical matters.