Social justice cornerstone of socialist oriented system: PM

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 28: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that social justice holds significant importance in executing socialist oriented system, as outlined in the constitution. 

Addressing the 6th Social Security Day Programme-2080 held in the capital on Monday afternoon, Prime Minister Prachanda made this statement. 

He said, “Social security programme serves as a crucial foundation for the realization of social justice. Hence, this programme stands as a source of pride for all individuals striving to establish a socialist state.”

Stating that earlier the healthcare facilities were exclusively available to those listed in the fund in initial phrase, Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction that groundwork is being laid to extend these benefits to cover healthcare and other facilities to the families of contributors by improving the system. 

He expressed his belief that such a programme has the potential to serve as an exemplary model, ensuring accessible healthcare for everyone.

“In light of the fact that 500,000 workers have already enrolled in the social security fund, I earnestly appeal to Nepali workers residing abroad and those in the informal sector to participate in this programme,” he said. 

Additionally, he urged employers to participate in the programme. 

He further informed that the commencement of social security measures for workers seeking employment abroad have been initiated under his direction and initiative. 

This action aligns with the national objective of achieving “social security for all”, he added. 

Expressing his belief that the challenges encountered during the implementation of the programme could be resolved through collaborative efforts, he emphasized the need to bolster the managerial aspects of the fund. 

He informed that he has issued directives for the enhancement of managerial capacities to ensure the facilities in a simple and accessible manner. 

As per the latest data provided by the fund, there are currently 18,439 registered employers and a total of 928,453 contributors enrolled under the social security fund.

Among them, 461,796 people are of formal sector, 466, 622 people are of foreign employment, 32 of self-employed and three people of informal sector, he informed. 

So far, a total of Rs. 51.29 billion has been collected in the fund, he added. 

Prime Minister Prachanda emphasized the alignment of social security initiatives with the principles of the Federal Democratic Republic.

The Prime Minister further assured that the government is committed to providing unfaltering coordination and support for the development of the Social Security Fund, to expand it into a comprehensive social security provider for all Nepali citizens, encompassing coverage from birth to moments of grief. 

He also expressed his gratitude to all workers residing within the country and abroad, as well as employers and individuals, and organizations for their unwavering support to make the contribution-based social security system successful. 

“Considering social security a collective responsibility encompassing not only the federal and provincial levels but also the local levels, we have prepared a legal framework,” he said. 

This enables the inclusion of workers in the informal sector within the purview of social security through the social security fund, Prime Minister Prachanda further said. 

“As the Prime Minister, I hold the historic responsibility of introducing this programme. Today, I call upon all local levels to actively participate and play a significant role in ensuring the effectiveness of this programme,” he added. 

The government acknowledges its success in the mandatory implementation and the achievements witnessed in the contribution-based social security programme, he said.