THE social security scheme was introduced through the Provincial Employees Social Security Ordinance, 1965. Following the 18th Amendment in April 2010, the discipline of labour laws was devolved to the provinces.

In Punjab, the Punjab Employees Social Security Institution (PESSI) was formed, which established dispensaries and hospitals in different towns of the province, and started operating the scheme quite efficiently. However, the level of efficiency has now gone down considerably.

Social security officers (SSOs) were responsible for coordinating between PESSI and the employers covered by the scheme. Sadly, when corruption crept in, the SSOs became more interested in their own welfare rather than that of the workers.

As was the norm at the time, all official correspondence between the employers and PESSI used to be done through letters. When the system of communication through emails started, the employers initially felt reluctant to adopt it for official correspondence, as the letters were not signed.

Subsequently, things changed and the use of emails for official correspondence became common. However, the SSOs have now gone a step further. They compel the employers that as the former do not use emails, they should communicate with them through WhatsApp.

The employers have told them that the WhatsApp numbers are personal, and are not generally used for official purposes when the individual is either on leave or away from work for any reason.

However, as doing official correspon-dence through WhatsApp, may be favo-uring their personal interests, the SSOs keep pestering the employers for its usage, and do not respond when contacted through emails. Senior PESSI officials should look into the matter urgently, and direct the SSOs not to indulge in such malpractices and revert to the proper system of official communication.

Parvez Rahim
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 7th, 2024