WPS and labour welfare measures

Dear Sir,It is a matter of great pride for all concerned to have successfully achieved the implementation of the Wage Protection System (WPS) in Qatar. (“1.5mn workers now under Wage Protection System”, Gulf Times, June 22). The system is almost complete and the workers who are still left out, it is hoped, shall come under WPS soon. The Wages Protection System is defined as “a comprehensive electronic system initiated by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) to monitor and document the process of worker wage payment at the establishments subject to the Labour Law No (14) of 2004, with the view to ensuring that employers are committed to the wage payment process systematically and in a timely manner pursuant to the rules and conditions provided for in the Labour Law”.Qatar is now setting labour welfare standards for other GCC nations to emulate. Qatar is fully geared up to meet the challenges whether they are related to infrastructure improvement, tourism, sports, entertainment, etc. This list is illustrative and not exhaustive. Qatar is well poised for further all-round improvement and the pivotal role played by human capital needs no further elaboration. The role and responsibilities of human resources management assume much importance at this crucial stage. Looking at people as assets is part of contemporary human resource management and human capital management.In this great nation’s progress, each and every one of us plays a humble role and let us all re-dedicate ourselves to build Qatar further and take it to greater heights. V Kalyanaraman, gurukrupakalyan7@yahoo.comYoga Day initiativeDear Sir,It was a great occasion to celebrate the International Yoga Day in Al Gharafa Stadium. The Indian community is thankful to the stadium authorities and the Qatar government for their support to the event. Thanks should also go to the Indian ambassador, various dignitaries and yoga teachers. I would like to use this opportunity to make a few suggestions.1) Yoga sessions, preferably one-hour long, should form part of all major sports events, at the opening of the event, if possible. Participation should be free for all.2) Women should be encouraged to adopt yoga for their well-being and health.3) Indian schools should hold regular yoga sessions.4) Health sector employees should be urged to make yoga part of their lives. Mrs Zarna P Bhatt, (e-mail address supplied)Alarming increase in global refugeesDear Sir,The number of refugees in the world is increasing at an alarming rate, according to a report released by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).The number of refugees, asylum-seekers and internally-displaced people around the world has topped 65mn, according to the UNHCR.As of December 2015, there were 65.3mn displaced people, according to the agency. That number represents “immense human suffering”.One in every 113 people on Earth has now been driven from their home by persecution, conflict and violence or human rights violations. The most worrying aspect of all these is the future of displaced children who embody the hope of tomorrow.While it is unlikely to expect an immediate end to the ongoing crisis in a number of countries, it is the sole responsibility of world leaders to help those who are considered refugees and sheltered in various parts of the world. The wealthy nations across the world must offer a helping hand to the displaced people and refugees.Ramachandran Nair, (e-mail address supplied)Please send us your  letters By e-mail: editor@gulf-times.com