Labour Ministry announces ‘Shramadan’ scheme

KATHMANDU MAY 1: The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security has announced a new scheme-‘Shramadan’- related to labour and employment. Minister Dol Prasad Aryal launched the ‘Shramadan’ campaign at a press conference held at the Ministry today to mark International Workers’ Day.

The scheme has the objective of solving the problems of Nepali workers and improving the labour market. Addressing the event, Minister Aryal said that the Ministry has a comprehensive and practical plan to solve the problems that surfaced in the labour market. The scheme includes programmes like ‘Second Innings’, Employment Bank, Equity, Connect,  Call Centre, and Professional Journey), among others.

Minister Aryal said that these programmes will not be implemented simultaneously but gradually. “This is not only a plan, but also a campaign,” he said, adding that it aims to address the multifaceted needs of Nepali citizens related to labour and employment through a one-door system. In the first phase of Shramadan, programmes related to seven sectors are included. To match the seven colours of the rainbow, Aryal said.

The programme is focused on developing the skills and competencies of Nepali workers, solving their mental health problems, providing special facilities for classes and communities with special needs, and increasing the knowledge of labour laws to make them legally safe. The plan prepared by the ministry after two months of study will provide the necessary resources and tools as well.

Minister Aryal informed that in the first phase, 24-hour telephone service will be provided, and a focal person will be appointed in the related agency to hear complaints, and respond to calls and missed calls. According to him, in the second phase, work is being done to develop the Shramadan app. Minister Aryal said preparations are also being made for CIP line telephone service and IVR service for Nepali migrant workers based abroad. He added that a mechanism had been created to make inquiries, complaints and problems received through various social networks to the immediate resolution process.

The Ministry has already inaugurated a Shramadan call centre. Inquiries, complaints and concerns can be reported by calling the 1141 toll-free number. According to the ministry, the problems can be reported through another phone number 9851347222.