UNIVERSAL SOCIAL PROTECTION

NEWS: ILO Report on need for Universal Social Protection

CONTEXT

• “Universal social protection in changing labour markets”à Protecting workers in all types of employment” àstrong social protection systems for all types of workers.
• ILOà Social protection as the set of policies and programmes designed to prevent and reduce poverty and vulnerability across a person’s life cycle.
• Includes child and family benefits, maternity protection, unemployment support, health protection, old-age benefits, etc.

Need for social protection

• Establishes dependable systems that reduce vulnerability+ reinforce people’s capabilities
• Strong social systemsà Essential for fostering stability amidst climate change, technological shifts, and demographic changes.
  • g. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
• Globally, social security contributions accounted for 18.8% of total taxation in 2019.
• Reduces Gender InequalitiesàGender-responsive social protection systems help offset labour market inequalities. E.g. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana.

Way Forward

• Ensuring comprehensive benefits for all workers including self-employed, temporary, and part-time workers.
• Integrating broad-based social insurance with tax-financed schemes (like universal child benefits and social pensions).
• Guaranteeing a basic level of income security and effective access to adequate healthcare for all.

India’s Initiative for Expanding Social Protection

• Levies (cess) imposed on industries finance social protection for workers lacking direct employer-employee relationships.
• Cover workers in sectors like mining, construction, bidi, and film industries.
• Introduction of platform levies and laws like the Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, 2023.
• Welfare boards ensure representation of workers, employers, and the state, promoting institutionalised dialogue and accountability.