Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Social security, at its core, is a system designed to protect individuals and families against economic and social distress caused by events like unemployment, sickness, disability, old age, and loss of a breadwinner. It’s a fundamental human right, recognized in Article 22 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In India, the concept has evolved from a welfare approach to a rights-based one, particularly after the enactment of the National Food Security Act, 2013. Recent years have witnessed a proliferation of social security schemes aimed at addressing widespread vulnerability, especially exacerbated by events like the COVID-19 pandemic and informalization of the labour market.
Defining Social Security: A Sociological Perspective
Social security isn’t merely about financial assistance; it encompasses a broader framework of policies and programs designed to ensure a minimum standard of living and protect individuals from life’s contingencies. Sociologically, it’s about reducing social inequalities, promoting social inclusion, and fostering social cohesion. It operates on principles of universality, adequacy, equity, and sustainability.
Recent Social Security Measures in India: A Categorical Examination
1. Employment & Livelihood Security
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005: Provides 100 days of wage employment to rural households. Despite being a landmark legislation, challenges remain regarding wage delays, inadequate funding, and implementation issues. (Data as of 2023-24, MGNREGA provided employment to 5.67 crore households).
- Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyan (PMGKYRA), 2020: Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide employment to migrant workers.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY): Incentivizes employers to hire new employees by providing financial support for EPF contributions.
2. Health Security
- Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), 2018: Provides health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year to approximately 50 crore beneficiaries. Challenges include limited hospital infrastructure in some areas and awareness gaps.
- Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY): Aims to improve healthcare infrastructure by establishing new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and upgrading existing medical colleges.
- National Digital Health Mission (NDHM): Aims to create a digital health ecosystem, enabling seamless access to healthcare services.
3. Pension & Old Age Security
- National Pension System (NPS): A contributory pension scheme for all citizens, including those in the unorganized sector.
- Atal Pension Yojana (APY), 2015: Provides a fixed monthly pension after the age of 60, targeted towards workers in the unorganized sector.
- Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PMSYM), 2019: Provides a monthly pension of ₹3,000 to unorganized workers aged 60 years.
4. Social Assistance & Vulnerable Groups
- National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013: Provides subsidized food grains to approximately 80 crore beneficiaries.
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), 2017: Provides maternity benefits to pregnant women and lactating mothers.
- Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), 2015: A savings scheme for the girl child, promoting financial inclusion and empowering women.
- PM CARES for Children Scheme: Provides support to children who have lost parents due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Challenges and Critical Evaluation
Despite the expansion of social security measures, several challenges persist. Coverage remains a significant issue, particularly for informal sector workers who constitute a large proportion of the Indian workforce. Fragmentation of schemes, administrative inefficiencies, and lack of awareness also hinder effective implementation. Furthermore, the adequacy of benefits provided by some schemes is questionable, given the rising cost of living. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of the existing social security system, highlighting the need for greater resilience and adaptability. A recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO, 2021) emphasized the need for universal social protection floors in India.
| Scheme | Target Group | Key Features | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGNREGA | Rural Households | 100 days wage employment | Wage delays, inadequate funding |
| PM-JAY | Below Poverty Line Families | ₹5 lakh health insurance | Limited hospital infrastructure |
| PMSYM | Unorganized Workers | ₹3,000 monthly pension | Low enrollment, awareness gaps |
Conclusion
India has made significant strides in expanding its social security net in recent years, driven by both economic and social considerations. However, achieving universal coverage, ensuring benefit adequacy, and addressing implementation challenges remain crucial priorities. A more integrated and holistic approach, coupled with greater investment in social infrastructure and improved governance, is essential to build a robust and resilient social security system that effectively protects all citizens from vulnerability and promotes inclusive growth. Future policies should focus on portability of benefits, simplification of procedures, and leveraging technology to enhance accessibility and efficiency.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.