Draft social security code aims to expand coverage: Gangwar

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 7

Union Labour Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar has informed the Rajya Sabha that the draft code on social security, 2019, has been prepared by amalgamating, simplifying and rationalising relevant provisions of the existing nine Central Labour Acts related to social security for organised and unorganised sector workers and it aims to expand coverage of social security.

In a reply during question hour last Wednesday, Gangwar also informed the House that the government had enacted Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008, to provide social security benefits to workers in the unorganised sector.

In June 2017, Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana was converged with Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).

PMJJBY and PMSBY provide insurance cover to unorganised workers. PMJJBY provides life insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh on payment of premium of Rs 330 per annum. PMJJBY is available to people in the age group of 18 to 50 years.

On the other hand, PMSBY provides insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh on accidental death or full disability and Rs 1 lakh on partial disability on payment of premium of Rs 12 per annum.

The scheme is available to people in the age group of 18-70 years. The total premium of Rs 342 is shared equally between the state government and Union Government.

The ministry launched Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana in February 2019 which is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme for providing monthly minimum assured pension of Rs 3,000 on attaining the age of 60 years.

The unorganised workers in the age group of 18-40 years whose monthly income is Rs 15,000 or less and not a member of EPFO/ESIC/NPS can join the scheme.

Under the scheme, 50 per cent monthly contribution is payable by the beneficiary and equal matching contribution is paid by the Central government.

In response to a separate question, Gangwar said no incident of violence against migrant labourers had been reported to the ministry.