Interrogation a Framework for Universal Social Protection In India

Aims and Objectives: The research aims to explore conceptual issues surrounding social security, social protection, and the social protection floor. It argues for implementing a rights-based social protection floor in India and describes the existing social security and protection system in the country. Additionally, the study will elaborate on the gendered nature of the workforce using existing data sources and analyze how current social security systems reinforce labor market inequalities.

Methodology: The study involved an analysis of existing data sources to examine the characteristics and nature of work and employment relations. Additionally, it included a review of the expansion of social security and protection measures since the early 2000s.

Findings:

• Two distinct phases in the expansion of social security and protection:
  • 2002-2013: Expansion due to grassroots movements, court judgments, and government responses.
  • 2014 onwards: Reduced emphasis on rights-based social security but introduction of new measures due to populist pressures; decreased financial priority for social protection.
• Current social security systems reinforce labor market inequalities.
• Challenges in moving towards a rights-based social protection floor in India.
• Need for a social protection floor that combines worker-centric and citizen-centric features, with minimum guarantees for all and a second level of contributory social security.

Recommendations:

• Consider possible options for social protection, including contributory and non-contributory measures and a universal basic income.
• Address the consequences of the government’s focus on digital financialization and biometric identification for benefit payments.
• Implement a social security registration system for workers, ensuring it does not impose high costs on the poorest and includes adequate data privacy safeguards.