KATHMANDU, December 24 —The Government of Nepal has launched a Social Security National Campaign to bring informal sector and self-employed workers under the protection of the Social Security Fund (SSF). The initiative was inaugurated on Wednesday through a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS), the SSF, and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The campaign aims to address a significant inclusion gap where, despite over 86 percent of Nepal’s workforce being in informal employment, only approximately 1,500 informal workers are currently enrolled in the SSF. Women are notably affected, with over 90 percent of employed women in Nepal working in the informal sector.
Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Rajendra Singh Bhandari stated that the government is committed to ensuring worker security by removing policy barriers. He emphasized that social security should act as protective armor against social unrest, conflict, and forced migration.
According to SSF Executive Director Kabiraj Adhikari, 2.65 million people have enrolled in the fund since its inception in 2075 BS. However, he noted that only eight local levels have implemented the program so far, despite agreements with over 114 local levels.
The campaign is supported by European Union funding under the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Programme. ILO Country Director Numan Özcan emphasized that the campaign's goal is to ensure no worker is left behind, describing social security as fundamental to economic resilience and inclusive development.
Nepal’s 16th Periodic Development Plan targets expanding social security coverage to 60 percent of the population and significantly reducing informality by 2028. The campaign calls on local governments, trade unions, and the media to support enrollment efforts and share practical information to help workers access their rights to health care, maternity protection, and old-age benefits.
