Kathmandu: Nepal is marking the eighth Social Security Day today with the slogan “Social Security: Access to Universal Health Services, a Pensionable Society, Enhanced Productivity, and Protection of Citizens’ Lives.”

The day commemorates the launch of the contribution-based social security program introduced eight years ago under the guiding principle “Decent Work Relations Through Social Security and Employment.”

A special ceremony is being held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar, with Prime Minister Sushila Karki as the chief guest.

The government officially introduced the contribution-based Social Security Scheme on 27 November 2018 (Mangsir 11, 2075) to implement the constitutional guarantee of social security as a fundamental right.

According to the Social Security Fund, the contribution-based scheme aims to ensure the rights of workers, minimize financial and social risks, and institutionalize universal social protection.

Executive Director Kabiraj Adhikari stated that the Fund is working to bring all workers—including those in formal, informal, foreign employment, and self-employment sectors—under the social security umbrella.

As of Wednesday, more than 2.6 million citizens have enrolled in the contribution-based social security system. This includes 649,511 workers in the formal sector, 1,996,579 in foreign employment, 799 in the informal sector, and 582 in self-employment.

The Fund currently operates several schemes for workers and their families, including medical treatment, health and maternity benefits, accident and disability coverage, dependent family protection, and old-age security. These schemes have enabled thousands of workers to receive regular facilities and financial support.

To date, the Fund has collected Rs 95.68 billion in contributions. A total of 253,143 workers have already received Rs 17.72 billion in claim settlements. In addition to health benefits, contributors are also entitled to interest on savings, monthly pensions after a fixed period, home loans, educational loans, and other facilities.