Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: The Department of Labour and Occupational Security and the Labour and Employment Offices under the Ministry of Youth Labour and Employment have inspected the status of implementation of the Labour Act in hospitals, schools, cooperatives and industries operating in their areas.

During the inspection carried out on July 25, weakness was found in the implementation of social security fund (SSF) and minimum wages in most of the establishments. The inspection carried out at Nepal Bharat Maitri Hospital, Chirayu Polyclinic and Venus Hospital in Kathmandu directed the government to immediately integrate the workers in the social security fund and provide minimum wages.

Similarly, directives have been issued to use safety equipment (PPE) at the Ampras Industries of Lalitpur as the standard of lighting is low. Pokhara—The Pokhara office has inspected dozens of cooperatives, dairies and academies in Shukla Gandaki area of Tanahun district.

The inspected institutions including Royal Savings and Credit Cooperative, Mount Annapurna Academy have been asked to submit labor audit and sign employment agreements with employees. Butwal-based Lumbini Dairy and Shuva Om Company (Pauwa Hotel) have been directed to issue appointment letters and provide additional overtime facilities.

Euro Baby Zone School in Nepalgunj has also been instructed to implement minimum wages. The Kanchenjunga Model Hospital and Little Flower School in Jhapa have been directed to join the Social Security Fund within 15 days and submit a labour audit.

They have been asked to inspect Eurocardio and RK Children’s Hospital in Biratnagar and give appointment letters to all. During the inspection, the labor offices mainly emphasized the mandatory implementation of the employment agreement of employees, labor audit, occupational safety and health (OSH) policy and minimum wage.

This inspection shows that government agencies are active in ensuring the rights and safety of workers in the labor market. The inspection, which was conducted at a total of 28 establishments, has created pressure for full compliance with the Labour Act.