SESSI unveils Rs1.7b surplus budget
The Sindh Employees Social Security Institutions (SESSI) has recently unveiled a surplus budget of Rs1.777 billion for the upcoming fiscal year 2023-24. The budget forecasts an income of Rs13.028 billion, with anticipated expenditures amounting to Rs11.050 billion.
Notably, the budget includes a significant enhancement in pensions for disabled and deceased workers, with the monthly pension for eligible beneficiaries being raised from Rs700 to Rs7,000. This adjustment will positively impact 2,572 workers who will receive varying increases in their monthly pension amounts.
SESSI, a social security net for workers, has also implemented improvements in disability gratuity and extended support for sickness, maternity, widows, child marriage, education scholarships, and death grants.
To address the shortage of medical professionals in SESSI-run hospitals, the budget has allocated resources for the appointment of 160 doctors during the next financial year. The approval of the budget took place during the 165th meeting chaired by Sindh Minister of Labour and Manpower Saeed Ghani, who also serves as the Chairman of the Governing Body of SESSI.
Medical facilities for workers have been assigned the highest budget allocation of Rs8.05 billion, while administrative expenses are estimated at Rs2.3517 billion.
Additionally, provisions have been made for the relief of injured workers (Rs82.4 million), sickness, maternity, and death grants (Rs78.9 million), and the rehabilitation and welfare of secured workers (Rs2.4 million). Moreover, an allocation of Rs8.5 million has been set aside for Eid celebrations. The budget also includes an estimated capital expenditure of Rs59.1 million, with Rs34 million being designated for development and other expenses. The appointment of doctors followed a merit-based selection process. Out of 5,499 candidates who submitted applications, 5,265 received interview letters. After undergoing tests and interviews, 858 candidates were shortlisted and called for re-interviews. Ultimately, 160 doctors were selected based on merit and will receive appointment letters in the upcoming financial year.
During the SESSI's Governing Body meeting, Ghani emphasised the importance of maximizing benefits for workers by allocating resources effectively. He reaffirmed SESSI's commitment to ensuring the welfare and social security of workers, underscoring the need to prioritise their needs. Successful candidates in grades 1 to 4 and grades 5 to 6 were appointed during the meeting based on their performance in the tests and interviews.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 18th, 2023.