The government of Nepal has introduced social security scheme to provide coverage for the valuable human resources in the country. The government established the Social Security Fund (SSF) to ensure proper management of pensions, insurance, and social security and has asked private and non-government organizations for participation. However, in recent time, the social security scheme has been subject to criticism from different quarters for its inability to address the private and non-government sector’s unique circumstances. Various provisions regarding participation of social organizations to the SSF are unclear and vague. The lack of understanding has resulted in various issues and problems. So, to clarify existing issues and confusion regarding association to the SSF, a virtual discussion was organized jointly by NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN) and Association of International NGO in Nepal (AIN) on 6 July 2021. During the interaction program, Chairman of AIN Sushil Koirala emphasized on various complexities and disadvantages in relation to associating with SSF. According to Koirala, the deposits in Citizen Investment Trust (CIT) and Employee Provident Fund (EPF) should be returned before enrolment to the SSF. He also demanded clarity before enforcement of the mandatory enrolment to SSF. Ram Prasad Subedi, General Secretary of NFN, stated that the Social Security Fund, though a good initiation, is not applicable and practical for short term project employees. He further added that many people want to join SSF but the unavailability of options for those who want to quit their job early or start their own business has been worrisome. Kapilmani Gyawali, Executive Director of SSF, addressed some of the queries raised by the participants. He highlighted the fact that enrolment in SSF has increased over the past year. SSF is aware of all the voices raised regarding SSF and would clarify and address raised queries and issues. He further added that the organisations that join the SSF before 2078 Asar will receive special benefits; they will be allowed to withdraw their savings at the age of 28, 33 and 60. During the interaction program many of the participants showed their deep dissatisfaction towards the provisions of SSF. Dissatisfaction about unilateral enforcement without employees’ acceptance was raised. In fact, CSOs, NGOs and their employees are ready to comply with the government’s requirement but before that clarity of some issues, ensuring comparative advantage of the employees, and due consideration of the changing employment situation of the employees in the social sector is crucial. Agni Shahi from Bajura said that his organisation has been participating in SSF for over a year. But the promises made by SSF have not been executed well. Health benefits have not been addressed. Similarly, Renu Adhikari said 'We all have to follow the government's rule eventually. It's our civil duty. But it's too early to implement SSF. Not enough discussions and discourse has been made regarding the SSF. The implementation of SSF will result in unavailability of human resources in NGOs.' Participant Shreya Karki questioned the double tax system. She expressed the confusion and lack of security on her investment. Addressing the queries of the participants Gyawali further clarified 'SSF is in accordance with the Labour Act 2074 and is within the law. SSF should not be seen as an enforced fund and has been created by following international practises. All of the other funds have been corresponded and will be merged gradually. There is no deadline. Entering the SSF is always open. Entering before Asad is only a scheme.' Member-Secretary of Social Welfare Council, Mr Pushkar Khati accepted that reforms had been made on SSF over the course of time. He further added that SSF is a milestone step and should be updated and reformed continuously. He said the SWC is ready to facilitate and discuss necessary changes. Similarly, Dr. Gaurishankar Laal, Advisor of National Senior Citizen Federation, stated that SSF is a major issue right now and is creating a lot of confusion. Many of the projects are short termed and will not be able to follow the SSF protocol. SSF should allow free entry and free exit policy. Bidur Subedi of Human Rights Alliance expressed that social security is a fundamental right of the citizens and provisions related to this need to ensure the feeling of security. So, the methods and process should be transparent, reliable and proper. SSF should improvise according to the suggestions. Many other participants expressed their unique cases which they feel are not addressed by the existing provisions of SSF. Enforcement without further discussion, consultation and consideration to the concerns raised is impractical. More than 500 participants were involved in the virtual discussion.
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