The Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) recently held a meeting in Kathmandu to discuss ways to make Nepal’s Social Security Fund (SSF) more effective.
Key Discussion Points:
- Linking Minimum Wages to Productivity:
Both organizations explored the need to connect workers’ minimum wages with their productivity to ensure fairness and efficiency. - Decent Employment and Workers’ Rights:
NCC President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal emphasized that the private sector generates around 80% of jobs in Nepal. He reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights, ensuring dignified employment, and promoting fair wages. - Challenges in Labor Practices:
The meeting highlighted challenges within Nepal’s labor laws, including adapting to flexible work practices and improving skill development to meet modern demands. - Sustainability of the SSF:
Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Social Security Fund was a key priority.
ILO’s Perspective:
Numan Özcan, ILO’s Country Director for Nepal, emphasized the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as the backbone of Nepal’s economy. He stressed ILO’s commitment to collaborating with both employers and workers to achieve shared goals.
This discussion between the NCC and ILO reflects a joint effort to strengthen Nepal’s labor ecosystem by ensuring fair practices, protecting workers’ rights, and supporting sustainable development in the workforce.