New provisions implemented through Social Security Code to enhance coverage of social security

The Ministry of Labour & Employment vide press release dated 08 August 2022 has highlighted the following provisions introduced in Social Security Code to enhance coverage of social security:-

1.      The coverage of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has been extended pan-India as against notified districts/areas.  Further, ESIC coverage on voluntary basis for establishments having less than 10 employees has been introduced. Further, benefits under ESIC can also be made applicable to an establishment which carries on hazardous or life threatening occupation as notified by the Central Government, in which even a single employee is employed.
2.      Envisages a Social Security Fund for formulating schemes for welfare of the unorganized workers, gig workers and platform workers.
3.      The gig worker and the platform worker have been defined for the purpose of formulating schemes to provide social security benefits.
4.      The Central Government has been empowered to extend benefits to unorganized workers, gig workers and platform workers and the members of their families through ESIC or Employees’ Provident Fund Organization.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Shri Rameswar Teli in a written reply in  Lok Sabha today.