47. Pakistan Economic Survey 2011-12 - Consultancy Services in ...

Population, Labour Force and EmploymentProvision of adequate infrastructure, such asroads, houses, electricity, water and sanitationservices, public transportation, schools andhealth clinics.Transforming slums into legitimatecommunities.Government supportive policies foragricultural sector.Table 12.6: Urban and Rural Population (Million)Mid-Year Urban Population Rural Population2008 57.32 105.062009 60.87 109.072010 63.05 110.462011 65.28 111.822012 67.55 113.16Source: Planning and Development DivisionLabour Force and EmploymentThe labour force can be defined as that part of theeconomically active population which can supplylabour for production of goods and services in thecountry. Pakistan has a very large labour force dueto its large population size. Since independence,six labour policies have been announced by thegovernment. These were announced in 1955, 1959,1969, 1972, 2002 and 2010. These policies laiddown the parameters for the growth of tradeunionism; protection of workers’ rights; thesettlement of industrial disputes and the redress ofworkers grievances. The policy of 1972 was themost progressive one in terms of reforming thelabour laws. The present government, recognizesthat there should be a cordial relationship betweenworkers and employers and at the same time bothmust enjoy reasonable benefits without inflictingany set back on the economy. This is only possibleif there is a mutual awareness and understandingbetween workers and employers of the rights andobligations.The labour policy 2010 has been developed withina framework of objectives and initiatives; some ofwhich are summarized in Box-2Box 2Labour Policy 2010ObjectivesPromotion of employee’s social security and social insurance programmeAdequate security of jobs should be available to the workersConditions should be created so that workers and employers are committed to enhancing labour productivityPromotion of higher jobs be ensured at all levels based on suitability and meritForced labour in all its forms to be eliminatedJust and humane conditions of work be guaranteed to all workersInitiatives The government has increased the minimum wages from Rs.7,000 to Rs.8,000 per month (announced by PrimeMinister on 1 st May, 2012). Consolidation of labour laws is underway Mine workers, whether contracted or permanent, will be provided with the same protection as other workers The government has started the process to regularize/confirm contract employees Elimination of gender discrimination Special emphasis on education of workers children Regulate and control child labour167