February 15: The government has made second amendment to the Social Security Fund (SSF) Operation Guidelines 2075 following amid widespread criticism of some of the provisions that have rendered the contribution-based social security scheme ineffective.

Though the Social Security Fund scheme was rolled out by the government in 2018 amid much fanfare, many employers and employees are still reluctant to sign up for the programme.

The SSF currently provides four services under health and maternity security scheme, dependent family security scheme, accident and disability security scheme and old-age security allowance. Due to lack of clear provisions, its implementation has not been much effective.

Amending the guideline, the government has clearly stated that the contributors have to deposit amount for three consecutive months to be eligible for the medical treatment as well as health and maternity security. Under the maternity security scheme, husbands of pregnant women can get medical expense for regular six weeks post delivery.

Under the pension scheme, the contributors can deduct certain amount from the fund for medical treatment. Likewise, clear provisions have been made for accident and disability security. The maximum time limit for disability treatment has been removed. In case of death of a migrant worker, the dependent family can take the compensation worth Rs 700,000 at once under the dependent family security scheme.

With this second amendment to the SSF operation guidelines, SSF is expected to bring a positive outcome. Until now, 13,261 employers and 189,234 contributors have been listed under this scheme.