ISLAMABAD, July 24: The Employees’ Old-age Benefits Institution (EOBI) has extended its welfare system to unemployed people.

The initiative is aimed at ensuring social security for all people irrespective of their status and whether they are employed or not. Previously, the social safety net provided old-age benefits only to workers of government, semi-government, autonomous and private organisations.

Now all people will be entitled to enlisting themselves by contributing Rs420 per month in order to get pension benefits after reaching the age of 60.The government and private organisations will be responsible for EOBI registration and contributions of their employees.

Workers who have not been included in the EOBI welfare facilities by their companies can also register themselves on their own.

The system has been computerised and people desirous of registering for the benefits can enlist their names through an online process.

“The welfare scheme has been put on the pattern of a social security system. Now companies or individuals can register themselves by accessing the EOBI online system,” the institution’s Chairman Zaffar Iqbal Gondal said.

Talking to this reporter, he said the computerised system would enable employees and employers to register themselves or their companies, contribute their monthly instalments and collect pension.

The welfare system has also been extended to establishments and employers who have five or more workers. Previously, it was applicable only to employers with 20 or more workers.

Workers of banks, banking companies and carpet industries have also been included in the EOB scheme.