Social security net

Never before was the need for a wider social security net covering the entire populace more acute than at present when many Pakistanis are losing jobs as result of the coronavirus pandemic. Realising the importance of a broader social security net, a bill has recently been introduced in the National Assembly seeking to provide financial assistance from the government to all jobless Pakistanis and to recognise social security as a fundamental right. The bill seeks the inclusion of a new article namely 27-A (social security and provision of basic necessities of life) in the Constitution. Known as the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2020, it states that “the state shall provide for all the persons employed in the service of Pakistan, or otherwise social security by compulsory social insurance or by other means.” The bill recommends that the state shall provide basic necessities of life to all those who are temporarily or permanently unable to work due to infirmity, sickness and unemployment.

Now Pakistan has a limited a social security net under the old-age benefits scheme. Workers contribute a certain amount from their salaries during their working life and the government too contributes to a fund that indemnifies workers after their retirement at age 60. There is no provision for helping workers during their unemployment. Social security system is present in many countries of the world. Under this system, the state provides monetary help to workers and takes care of their medical needs during joblessness and after retirement. This ensures fulfilment of workers’ want, though only partly or marginally. During the period when workers are out of work, they are paid a certain sum of money for only a limited period so that it might not lead them to laziness and indolence. These subsidies for the unemployed have become necessary as a result of the decline in economy. Social security payment has nothing to do with charity nor is it dole, a word full of disdain.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 25^th, 2020.

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