New Delhi

The Centre on Monday said it is actively exploring ways to extend social security benefits to workers in the unorganised sector by bringing them under the ambit of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation and the Employees' State Insurance Corporation.

Responding to a supplementary question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje said discussions are currently underway within the labour ministry to ensure pension coverage for unorganised workers in the future.

She noted that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision that every worker should have access to pension benefits. Efforts are being made to gradually include more categories of workers within formal social security frameworks.

The minister also highlighted improvements in pension-related services, including the introduction of free doorstep facilities aimed at making access easier for beneficiaries.

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Additionally, she indicated that individuals engaged in the online or gig economy could also be considered for pension coverage going forward, signalling a possible expansion of welfare schemes to newer forms of employment.