All social welfare schemes to be linked under one unique identification number
Centre plans single ocial security ID for all private employees
New Delhi | Desk: The central government is planning to bring all social security schemes for private sector employees under a unique number. This initiative, initially named the "Universal Social Security Account," aims to provide every private employee with a unique identification number that will link all their social security schemes.
The Central Government has set a target of creating this account for approximately 500 million people between 2027 and 2030. This decision is detailed in the draft Shram Shakti Policy published by the Ministry of Labor.
Initially, the social security schemes that will be covered under this account include PF, ESIC, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, National Career Service, e-Shram, and Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana. More schemes may be added in the future.
The central government intends to complete the process of reforming the country's labor policy in three phases, for which the Shram Shakti Policy has been formulated. The first phase will be completed by 2027, the second by 2030, and the third phase thereafter.
This reform process is said to be accelerated in view of the goal of completing 100 years of independence in 2047.
In the first phase, all labor-related information will be brought together and digitally stored, and several councils will be created, which will serve as facilitation centers in the employment market.
Initiatives will also be taken to provide qualified workers according to demand using artificial intelligence.
Consequently, work will be carried out to bring social security schemes for general employees onto a single platform. In the second phase of the labor policy, a new identity card with a unique number will be issued to each employee based on this information.
This 'Universal Social Security Account' will function similarly to the existing Universal Account Number. Just as the UAN of a PF account remains unchanged even when an employee changes jobs, all social security benefits under this account will be linked to a single number.
This will ensure that employees continue to receive government benefits without interruption, regardless of their state or organization. The Center claims that this new initiative will benefit employees in both the organized and unorganized sectors, ensuring smooth and speedy access to all benefits.
Shio Prasad Tiwari, a member of the Central Board of Trustees of the Employees' Provident Fund Organization, stated, "By integrating all security plans into a single account, retirement and emergency services can be accessed more quickly. A unified account for every employee is essential for implementing a world-class labor policy."
