KATHMANDU, Feb 2: The number of workers joining the contribution-based social security scheme has crossed 144,000. 

As of Friday last week, a total of 144,144 workers joined the scheme, according to the Social Security Fund. Moreover, the number of employers joining the scheme has reached 12,135. 

The highest number of recruits is in Bagmati province. A total of 104,712 workers have joined the government-led initiative. Likewise, those joining the scheme in State 1 are 21,321, 8,853 in Province 2, 5,223 in Gandaki province, 3,400 in Province 5, 446 in Sudur Paschim province and 169 workers in Karnali province. Bagmati province also has the highest number of employers i.e. 8,111 joining the scheme. 

Likewise, 1,860 employers in Province 1, 870 in Province 5, 556 in Gandaki, 482 in Province 2, 130 in Sudur Paschim and 121 in Karnali state have joined it. 

As of Friday, a total of 582.268 million rupees has been deposited in the fund under the contribution-based social security scheme. Six dependent families of workers have already started enjoying financial support from the scheme. The number of employers and workers joining however is negligible so far. According to economic census 2018, there are a total of 922,445 employers where 3.4 million workers are employed.

 
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