Paper: GS – II, Subject: Society and Social Justice, Topic: Social Empowerment and Welfare, Issue: Need for a unified social security system.
Context:
Bihar recently increased pensions for elderly, widowed, and disabled citizens from ₹400–₹1,100 reflecting the growing trend of populist welfare politics in India. It raises the question that Should India move from fragmented schemes to a unified, sustainable social security system?
Key Highlights:
Social Security coverage in India:
International Labour Organisation (ILO)’s 2021 report estimated India’s social protection coverage at 24.4%, later revised to 48.8%. It highlights scattered entitlements and lack of integrated social protection.
Need for a Unified Welfare State:
Current Issues:
Need: Create a smart social security governance model, maximise coverage, efficiency, and fiscal sustainability.
| Global Case studies: Brazil: ‘Fome Zero’ became a Unified System of Social Assistance (SUAS).South Korea: Consolidated welfare programmes in 1990s.ILO Report: Advocates integrated approaches for capacity building & citizen empowerment.G20 New Delhi Declaration (2023):Calls for “One Nation, One Social Security Governance.”Emphasises sustainable, universal social protection.Focus on integrating schemes for citizen-centric benefits. |
India’s Potential Path:
- Digital India & Aspirational Districts Programme as foundations.
- Learning from PM-Gati Shakti for unified platforms.
- Leveraging EPFO, ESIC, E-Shram as integration points.
- Use of UAN (Universal Account Number) to route benefits.
- Cash transfers with part allocation for provident fund, pension, insurance.
- Federated, flexible, incentive-driven which needs coordination between Centre & States.
Conclusion:
Unified social security governance could be India’s most transformative governance reform since Independence. It requires political consensus, administrative integration, and citizen-focused delivery.
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/why-india-needs-a-unified-welfare-state-10181724
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