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India’s Social Security Coverage Hits 49%: ILO

Context

According to the World Social Protection Report 2024-26, the Director-General of the International Labour Organization highlighted that India’s social protection coverage has nearly doubled, with the proportion of the population covered increasing from 24% to 49% in a short period.

What is Social Security?

Social security refers to a system designed to provide financial support and protection to individuals, particularly during times of need, such as retirement, unemployment, illness, or disability.
It aims to ensure that people have access to essential services and resources that promote their well-being.
Generally, India’s social security schemes cover the following types of social insurances:
- Pension
- Health Insurance and Medical Benefit
- Disability Benefit
- Maternity Benefit
- Gratuity

India’s Efforts to Expand Social Security Coverage

The proportion of India’s population covered under at least one branch of social protection has increased dramatically, from 24% to 49%, nearly doubling in a short period.
This improvement is largely attributed to government efforts to expand and modernize the social protection system.
Key Achievements in Social Protection
Doubling of Coverage: India’s efforts to expand social protection have led to a significant increase in coverage. As mentioned earlier, the proportion of the population covered under social protection has doubled, from 24% to 49%. This achievement is seen as a model for other nations looking to improve their social security systems.
Reduction in Unemployment: India’s unemployment rate has decreased significantly, from 6% in 2017-18 to 2% in 2023-24. This reduction reflects the success of various policies aimed at creating jobs, promoting inclusive economic growth, and improving the overall labour market.
Improved Social Security for Informal Workers: The government has taken steps to extend social security coverage to informal workers, including those in agriculture, construction, and gig economies. This has been crucial in ensuring that a larger portion of the workforce has access to benefits like healthcare, pensions, and insurance.

Key Initiatives to Enhance Social Protection

e-Shram Portal:
- Launched in: 2021
- The E-Shram Portal is a flagship initiative to support and empower the unorganized workforce, which forms the backbone of the nation’s economy.
- Launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, this portal is designed to create a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW), verified and seeded with Aadhaar, enabling the delivery of targeted welfare schemes and benefits.
Labour Reforms and Simplified Labour Codes: India has consolidated 29 labour laws into 4 simplified Labour Codes to ensure better protection for workers. These codes help in the universalization of wages and social security, promote safer working conditions, and streamline compliance procedures for businesses. These reforms make it easier for both employees and employers to navigate the legal and regulatory environment, ensuring better protection and rights for workers.
Increased Labour Force Participation: Efforts to boost employment opportunities and improve working conditions have contributed to an increase in the Labour Force Participation Rate (from 49.8% to 60.1%).
Other Initiatives:
- Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM)
- Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY)
- PM SVANidhi: Micro Credit Scheme for Street Vendors
- Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Abhiyan
- Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Urban Livelihoods Mission
- PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY)
Key social security laws: the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923; the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948; the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952; the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961; the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972; the Cine Workers Welfare Fund Act, 1981; the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Cess Act, 1996; and the Unorganised Workers' Social Security Act, 2008

Global Coalition for Social Justice

Launched in: 2023
The Global Coalition for Social Justice aims to promote decent work, social protection, responsible business conduct, and fair work across the globe.
The coalition has over 340 members, including governments, academic institutions, financial organizations, and businesses.
- India is playing a key role in leading the Asia Pacific region's discussions under this coalition, specifically on Responsible Business Practices for Sustainable and Inclusive Societies.
- India's involvement is part of a broader strategy to ensure that business practices are ethical, sustainable, and inclusive.

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GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

25th February 2025 (13 Topics)

Copy

India’s Social Security Coverage Hits 49%: ILO

What is Social Security?

India’s Efforts to Expand Social Security Coverage

Key Initiatives to Enhance Social Protection

Global Coalition for Social Justice

Still Have Questions?

GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

India’s Social Security Coverage Hits 49%: ILO

What is Social Security?

India’s Efforts to Expand Social Security Coverage

Key Initiatives to Enhance Social Protection

Global Coalition for Social Justice

Still Have Questions?

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