Benazir Mazdoor Card Benefits
The “Benazir Mazdoor Card” refers to a social welfare initiative in Pakistan that was introduced by the government to provide financial assistance and benefits to laborers and workers. The program is named after the late Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto, who was known for her efforts to empower the working class and marginalized communities.
The Benazir Mazdoor Card program is aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of laborers, including daily wage workers, skilled and unskilled laborers, and those employed in various informal sectors. Through this program, eligible workers are issued a “Mazdoor Card,” which serves as an identification and access card to avail various benefits and services.
How to get Benazir Mazdoor Card
Workers who wish to register with the Sindh Employees Social Security Institution (SESSI) and contribute six percent of the government-fixed minimum wage will be issued a ‘Benazir Mazdoor Card.’ This card will grant the workers in Sindh access to a range of benefits and facilities, including education, healthcare, and financial assistance provided under the Social Security Workers Welfare Fund laws. The initiative aims to empower workers and enhance their well-being by ensuring broader coverage of social security services and support.
Eligibility for a Mazdoor Card
Eligibility for a Mazdoor Card may include:
- Type of Employment: The card is issued to formal and informal workers, including skilled and unskilled laborers, daily wage workers, and individuals working in various sectors of the economy.
- Proof of Employment: Applicants need to provide proof of employment, such as a letter from their employer, work contract, or any relevant document verifying their work status.
- Residence: Workers need to be legal residents of the region where the Mazdoor Card program is being implemented.
- Age: The minimum age requirement for eligible workers is 18 Years.
- Contribution to Social Security Fund: In all cases, workers are required to contribute a 6 percent of their earnings to a social security fund to be eligible for the card.
- Identification Documents: Applicants are required to provide valid identification documents, such as a national ID card to verify their identity.
- Dependents: The Mazdoor Card may extend benefits to the worker’s dependents, such as their spouse and children.
Calling for registrations
Sindh Labour Minister, Saeed Ghani, urged all workers employed in industrial units in Sindh to register themselves. He pointed out that the number of employed workers surpassed the number of registered workers. Stressing the importance of registration, he emphasized that it would enable workers to avail themselves of the benefits provided through the Mazdoor Card program.
Nadra Agreement with SESSI
NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) has partnered with the Sindh Employees Social Security Institute (SESSI) to introduce Benazir Mazdoor Card. As part of this collaboration, they will develop a web-based profiling system for both employers and employees.
The Benazir Mazdoor Card initiative aims to formalize the identification of workers in Sindh, Pakistan, and provide them with access to essential social security benefits. With the web-based profiling system, employers can easily register their workers with SESSI, ensuring compliance with social security regulations. On the other hand, individual workers can also register themselves and contribute to their social security funds through the same system.
Medical Services
The Medical Services Scheme is applicable throughout the province of Sindh, with administrative offices and medical outlets located in various cities, including Karachi, Dhabeji, Nooriabad, Kalu Kohar, Kotri, Hyderabad, Tando Jam, Tando Adam, Mirpurkhas, Nawabshah, Shahdadkot, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Larkana, Rohari, and Sukkur.
The scheme operates 39 dispensaries, 5 medical centers, and 4 hospitals under its umbrella. To access medical benefits, secure workers and their dependents need to register voluntarily with any of the 39 dispensaries closest to their residence.
At the dispensaries, individuals receive routine medical check-ups and treatment from available Medical Officers or Lady Medical Officers. Additionally, pregnant women receive antenatal check-ups and necessary treatments. If specialized medical care or hospital treatment is required, patients are referred to the nearest SESSI hospital.