GOVERNMENT is providing cash assistance to the employees of the factories, workplaces and businesses entitled to social security benefits amid COVID-19 second wave, according to the virtual meeting of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population yesterday.

During the meeting, Union Minister U Thein Swe said that 40 per cent of social security benefits amounted K19.64 billion have been already provided for 800,260 insured workers of 6,429 departments during the first wave of COVID-19.

The ministry has been scrutinizing the remaining departments to continue provision of cash assistance from the social security fund, he added.

Due to the rise in second wave of COVID-19 infections, the ministry issued Order 196/2020 on 24 September to provide second batch of social security benefits for insured employees.

A total of 1,832 factories and workplaces applied for the social security benefits between 24 September and 7 October via online web portal.

Among them, a total of 33,802 insured employees from 313 departments were provided with 40 per cent of social security benefits amounted K2.363 billion. The ministry is scrutinizing the remaining factories and work establishments to continue provision of the social benefits.

The ministry has provided 60 per cent of social security benefits for the insured workers of being quarantined, positive COVID-19 patients, being treated at hospitals, and pregnant women in accordance with laws.

The cash assistance was paid to related factories and workplaces by cheque and via online, he said.

The online meeting was also attended by Deputy Minster U Myint Kyaing, Yangon Region minister Daw Moe Moe Suu Kyi, the permanent secretaries, the directors-general and departmental officials, representatives from labour organizations, and officials from the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

MNA

 (Translated by Kyaw Zin Tun)

PHOTO: MNA

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