Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Social Security Fund (SSF) has facilitated the payment of more than Rs 2 million to the family of a deceased worker not enrolled in the contribution-based social security scheme.
Following the death of Ramananand Sah Kanu, a worker employed at a textile company in Birgunj, the SSF facilitated the payment of Rs 2,043,645.84 to his dependent family. SSF Executive Director Kabiraj Adhikari handed over a cheque for the amount to the deceased’s wife, Uma Devi, on Wednesday.
Kanu died in a workplace accident in August, 2022. As the employer company was not registered with the SSF, Kanu’s family had been deprived of social security benefits.
Uma Devi submitted an application with the SSF in October of the same year, seeking all benefits due under the dependent family protection provisions. The SSF formally notified the employer regarding the matter.
After efforts for mediation between the employer and the victim’s family failed, the SSF issued an order directing the employer to provide the dependent family benefits. The employer challenged the SSF’s order decision at the Patan High Court. However, the court upheld SSF’s decision.
The employer later approached the Supreme Court, but the apex court also upheld the SSF’s decision.
As per Section 9 (4) of the Contribution-Based Social Security Act, the Fund can freeze bank accounts of employers who fail to register with the SSF or do not deposit contributions. The law also allows the SSF to seize movable and immovable property, suspend legal facilities and concessions, suspend permits or licences, and freeze passports in accordance with prevailing laws.
Similarly, Section 9 (6) of the Act stipulates that if a listed employer fails to deposit contribution amounts within the prescribed period and a worker suffers an accident or dies during that period, the employer is required to provide the worker or their family with benefits equivalent to those payable by the SSF.
