Hindu Editorial Analysis : 29-March-2024

Social protection is essential for the well-being of individuals and families. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) in its 2022 World Social Protection Report, India is spending far too little on social security. This shortfall raises significant concerns, especially since social security is recognized as a human right by the United Nations.

What is Social Security?

Social security refers to the systems that provide financial support and access to healthcare for people in various situations such as:

  • Old Age: Ensuring income after retirement.
  • Unemployment: Helping those who lose their jobs.
  • Sickness: Providing aid during illness.
  • Work Injury: Supporting those injured at work.
  • Maternity: Assisting new mothers.
  • Loss of a Breadwinner: Offering support to families that have lost their primary income earner.

The ILO recommends that all nations establish a “social protection floor” to guarantee these rights.

Importance of Social Security

Social security impacts society in multiple ways:

  • Health Care Access: Provides necessary medical services to workers and their families.
  • Income Security: Protects against loss of income due to various circumstances.
  • Support for Children: Aids families in managing education costs.
  • Stable Labor Relations: Helps employers maintain a productive workforce.
  • Social Cohesion: Contributes to overall growth and development by improving living standards.

Existing Social Security Schemes in India

India has several welfare schemes aimed at enhancing social protection:

  1. Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana: A pension scheme for old age.
  2. Ayushman Bharat: Health coverage of up to ₹5 lakhs for eligible families.
  3. Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Gramin): Assistance for building houses in rural areas.
  4. Public Distribution System (PDS): Provides food grains to households.
  5. Atal Pension Yojana: Offers pensions based on contributions.
  6. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana: Provides accidental death coverage.
  7. Mahatma Gandhi NREGA: Offers work and wages to rural households.

Challenges in Social Protection

Despite these schemes, many challenges remain:

  • Low Spending: India’s expenditure on social protection is inadequate.
  • Informal Workforce: Approximately 91% of workers are in the informal sector, lacking access to social security.
  • Ageing Population: In two decades, India will have an ageing society with limited protections for older workers.
  • Implementation Issues: The Code on Social Security (2020) is primarily for formal workers, leaving many unprotected.
  • Complex Framework: Overlapping authorities and confusing definitions make it hard for workers to understand their rights.

Why In News

According to the ILO’s World Social Protection Report, 2022, India spends too little on social protection, which raises significant concerns about the welfare of its citizens. Social security is a human right, as emphasized in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, and the ILO’s Recommendation of 2012 has urged all nations to establish a “social protection floor” to ensure that everyone has access to basic support and services. This lack of investment not only affects individual well-being but also undermines the country’s overall development potential.

MCQs about Importance of Social Protection in India

  1. According to the ILO’s World Social Protection Report, 2022, what does it highlight about India?
    A. India has sufficient social protection measures.
    B. India spends too little on social protection.
    C. India has the highest spending on social security.
    D. India’s social protection is exemplary.
    Correct Answer: B. India spends too little on social protection.
    Explanation: The report emphasizes that India’s investment in social protection is inadequate, raising concerns about the welfare of its citizens.
  2. According to the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, what is social security considered?
    A. A luxury.
    B. An optional benefit.
    C. A human right.
    D. A government privilege.
    Correct Answer: C. A human right.
    Explanation: The Declaration explicitly states that social security is a fundamental human right, meaning all individuals should have access to it.
  3. Which of the following is NOT one of the key benefits of social security ?
    A. Provides income security in old age.
    B. Ensures free healthcare for all citizens.
    C. Offers protection against unemployment.
    D. Aids families in managing education costs.
    Correct Answer: B. Ensures free healthcare for all citizens.
    Explanation: While social security provides access to healthcare, the essay does not state that it ensures free healthcare for everyone, as eligibility can depend on specific programs.
  4. What major challenge does India’s social protection system face?
    A. Too many workers in the formal sector.
    B. Overinvestment in social security programs.
    C. A significant portion of the workforce is in the informal sector.
    D. Lack of international support for social security.
    Correct Answer: C. A significant portion of the workforce is in the informal sector.
    Explanation: Around 91% of India’s workforce works in the informal sector, which lacks access to social security, presenting a significant challenge for comprehensive coverage.

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