The Hindu Business Line : `Social security cover for all workers soon'

The Government is planning a comprehensive legislation to extend social security cover to all workers, said Mr Oscar Fernandes, Minister of State for Labour and Employment (Independent Charge). "Our focus is on the informal sector as today for every 10 jobs seven jobs are created in the informal sector," said the Minister.

Mr Fernandes, who was addressing a conference on International Social Security Association (ISSA) for the Asia and Pacific region, said that the fundamental duty of civil society was to ensure a universal non-discriminatory, equitable and reliable health care system. "The challenge, however, is how to ensure easy accessibility to quality medical care both in terms of cost and geographical distances," he added.

Referring to the organised sector, Mr Fernandes said that the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) provides medical care to 35 million beneficiaries with no upper cap on cost, irrespective of the quantum of contribution paid by a member. "Even one day's insurable employment ensures coverage to the worker and his family," the Minister said.

Calling for the skilful handling of funds, Mr Fernandes said that they could be gainfully employed by the state for economic growth. "It could be a win-win situation for all as the state would get the required financial resources, while social security organisations would get safety of their investments," he said, adding that the Employees Provident Fund Organisation provides social security cover to 40 million workers across the country.

According to Ms Corazon de la Paz, President, ISSA, the agenda of the conference reflected the urgency of addressing various issues concerning social security, particularly in healthcare, which was as an overriding concern along with social security for migrant workers.

She pointed out that 20 million workers from India and 10 million workers from the Philippines were working away from their countries because of a lack of social and financial security. The three-day conference was attended by over 180 delegates from across 40 countries.

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