Kathmandu: Nepali Congress leader Dr. Sekhar Koirala has called for an increase in the minimum wage for workers to Rs 40,000. Inaugurating the 13th convention of the Employees’ Association of Nepal Electricity Authority, Koirala asserted that the current minimum wage of Rs 17,300 is insufficient for ensuring dignified labor and needs an urgent revision.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Koirala emphasized the importance of equal pay for men and women performing the same work. He also highlighted the necessity of linking the informal sector to social security to guarantee fair remuneration and respect for labor. He stated that workers are the foundation of prosperity and revealed that his party is planning to establish a labor commission.
Koirala also addressed concerns about Nepal’s position on the grey lists of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the European Union. He expressed worry over the lack of trust in individuals’ claims of not engaging in corruption and stressed that the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority should operate without bias. Furthermore, he highlighted the need to tackle issues related to remittance.
On the same occasion, NC central member Nain Singh Mahar remarked on the significant progress in electrification in Nepal, which has increased from 7 percent in 2046 BS to 98 percent currently. Mahar noted that the strengthening of the Nepal Electricity Authority is vital for reinforcing the pillars of development in Nepal.