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