Security for Workers in Unorganized Sector in Uttar Pradesh and Preparation of “Draft Research Tools for Social Security for GIG and Platform Workers”

Aims Objectives: The research aims to understand the status of social security for unorganized sector workers and enterprises in both rural and urban areas of Uttar Pradesh. It will assess the current state of social security, evaluate the level of awareness and accessibility of government social security and welfare schemes among unorganized sector workers, and determine the challenges they face. Additionally, the study will identify the needs for strengthening social security systems in the state.

To achieve these goals, a survey involving approximately 4,000 workers and 480 enterprises in the unorganized sector across four regions of Uttar Pradesh will be conducted, focusing on non-agricultural workers and enterprises.

Methodology: The study employed a multi-stage stratified sampling method to ensure a comprehensive and representative survey of non-agricultural workers and enterprises. A representative sample was selected using a scientific random sampling procedure, encompassing both rural and urban areas.

To execute the survey, detailed data collection tools were developed to capture relevant information on social security status, awareness, access, challenges, and needs. The survey aimed to cover a broad spectrum of non-agricultural workers and enterprises, ensuring an extensive and inclusive data collection process.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Evaluate Social Security Measures: Assess current social security measures for unorganized sector workers and identify any gaps in coverage.
2. Assess Awareness and Access: Examine workers’ awareness of social security schemes and identify barriers to accessing these schemes.
3. Identify Challenges and Requirements: Understand the challenges faced by unorganized sector workers and enterprises regarding social security and determine specific needs for improvement.
4. Data Collection and Analysis: Gather and analyze data from workers and enterprises to identify patterns, gaps, and areas needing enhancement in social security coverage.

Expected Outcomes:

1. Comprehensive Report: Prepare a detailed report on the social security status for unorganized sector workers in Uttar Pradesh, including recommendations for enhancing coverage and effectiveness based on survey findings.
2. Policy Recommendations: Develop evidence-based policy recommendations to improve social security for unorganized sector workers, with suggestions for increasing awareness and access to government schemes.
3. Research Tools: Create robust research tools specifically designed to study social security for gig and platform workers, focusing on capturing detailed and accurate information about their unique challenges.

This study aims to provide a thorough understanding of the social security landscape for unorganized sector workers in Uttar Pradesh, identify key challenges, and offer actionable recommendations to improve their social security coverage and overall welfare.