PATTOKI - As many as 400 workers of 15 selected brick kilns in Pattoki Tehsil of Kasur district were handed over Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) here on Friday.The CNICs were distributed at a ceremony organised by Bonded Labour Liberation Front Pakistan (BLLF) under “Rakhwalay” project supported by Trocaire International here at Pattoki Tehsil Municipal Office. District Officer (Labour) Chaudhry Naeem, BLLF Secretary General Syeda Ghulam Fatima, Project Manager Mahar Safdar Ali, Nadra Representatives, journalists and local notables attended the ceremony.Speaking on the occasion, DO-L Naeem Ch claimed that the issuance of CNICs to brick kiln workers was a historic step as it would help them get social status and benefits of the social security cover. He said that the campaign to issue CNICs to workers was launched under the aegis of Rakhwalay project being executed by the BLLF. He said the Labour Department was working to ensure issuance of CNICs to workers in collaboration with the BLLF.Speaking on the occasion, Syeda Ghulam Fatima said the project was aimed at providing and protect rights of the brick kiln workers including issuance of CNICs, social security cards, minimum wages, medical and other facilities under the labour laws.  She pointed out that the project teams was initially working at 50 targeted brick kilns in district Kasur and would soon expand its scope to other districts of the province. She appreciated the role of Nadra and the Punjab Government for rendering their support to the ignored segments of the society.Mahar Safdar Ali said that under the project a core committee had been constituted to identify and remove the hurdles in the way of issuing CNICs to workers. He alleged that few of the brick kiln owners did not want to see their workers happy. That is why they create hurdles and use delaying tactics in this regard, he added.