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by Nadira Gunatilleke

Nearly 60,000 self-employed had registered themselves for membership in the Pension and Social Security Benefit Scheme of the Social Security Board of the Ministry of Social Welfare by the end of last year. This was significant progress, and more are being enlisted, a Board official told the Daily News yesterday.

District coordinating officers have been appointed to all districts in order to provide a better service. Gratuities have been paid to the families of 80 dead persons after the scheme was implemented. The first person received his pension in November 2001.

Self-employed persons in the age group of 18-59 years who do not pay income tax are eligible to enrol themselves as members. The enrolment of members is done at Divisional Secretariats countrywide with the involvement of district coordinating officers, social service officers, Grama Niladharie officers and Samurdhi animators as the agents. After gaining membership by paying the first premium at the DS the contributors future premia at any post office opted for.

The social security board was established in 1996 under the Ministry of Social Services under the terms of the Social Security Board Act No.17 of 1996. The main objective of the Social Security Board is to implement a pension and social security benefit scheme for self-employed persons and those employed in the informal sector countrywide.

More information about this scheme can be obtained from Divisional Secretaries, District Coordinating Officers, Social Service Officers, Grama Niladharies, Samurdhi Animators or the Social Security Board, No. 585, Galle Road, Wellawatta, Colombo 6. Tele. 586222, 508942.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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