Social protection situation

India has a large number of social protection schemes, both at the central and state levels, which cater to different segments of the population. However, the size, increasing informality (90% of workforce is in the informal economy), and heterogeneity of the workforce leads to low levels of social protection and high vulnerability among India’s workers.

Social health protection is provided through contributory and non-contributory schemes, covering approximately 140 and 120 million people respectively. The government of India wants to scale up the non-contributory scheme (PM-JAY) to reach 500 million beneficiaries. The ILO is supporting the strengthening of services and financial sustainability of the contributory scheme (Employees State Insurance Scheme-ESIS). A draft code on Social Security and Labour Welfare is currently in Parliament. The code would merge existing legislations, simplifying implementation, and providing a national framework for a universal social security system in India.

COVID-19

India implemented a range of measures to address the economic and social impact of COVID-19, including:

• Reimbursing the cost of COVID-19 testing in private labs for the people covered by the PM-JAY scheme.
• Directing a benefit of 500 Indian rupees for two months to 35 million beneficiaries of non-contributory schemes for older people, widows and people with disabilities.
• The state of Uttar Pradesh provided a one-off benefit of 1,000 Indian rupees to 480,000 daily wagers (street vendors, rickshaw pullers, etc).

Please see the SP Monitor for a more complete list of measures.

Government priorities

• By 2022, national and state social protection systems are better managed with expanded coverage and increased access.
• Provide medical insurance for 100 million families through the National Health Protection mission.
• Expand old-age pension access for informal workers.

• Technical support to ESIS for improving and expanding access to health care services in India (Health Financing) – A transition to formality
  19.12.2018 - 31.12.2022 USD 2,087,569 Foundation

The ILO has been assisting the Government of India with its goal of streamlining and consolidating its myriad social security laws, closing coverage gaps, and improving operations by creating a coherent policy structure and unified delivery system. In 2019, a national policy framework was developed on TB-HIV in the world of work, with the support of the ILO and social partners.

• The Social Security Code confirmed the Employee State Insurance Corporation's mandate to provide social protection to formal and informal workers
  IND126 30.09.2020
• A National policy framework on TB-HIV in the world of work with strong linkages with social protection, especially health care, was developed
  IND126 31.12.2019
• The National Health Insurance Scheme (Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY)) extended on 4 June 2013 by the Union Government of India to cover various categories of informal economy workers who were not covered earlier.
  IND104 31.12.2013
• The RSBY has been extended to the following categories of informal economy workers which will cover approximately 9.6 million families (approx. 50 million people)
  IND104 31.12.2013
• All issues concerning labour are placed before the Tripartite Committee on Conventions and labour related issues are discussed in the Tripartite Standing Labour Committee.
  IND104 31.12.2013
• The National Health Insurance Plan (RSBY) is extended to brick kiln workers and domestic workers.
  IND104 31.12.2011
• The plan specifically addresses the coverage of domestic workers with respect to health care coverage.
  IND104 31.12.2011
• All proposals concerning labour are placed before a Tripartite Standing Committee on Convention.
  IND104 31.12.2011
• India enacted Unorganized Workers’ Social Security Act and set up national health insurance scheme for families below poverty line.
  IND104 31.12.2009
• Generated social security statistics for inquiry on social security
  IND104 31.12.2009

• US$ 700,000: Formulate evidence-based gender equitable options for building a statebased social protection floors through a process of social dialogue with broader participation of all stakeholders (for two states).
• US$1 million: Extend coverage for construction workers and their families through the improved implementation of the relevant legislation.

• India: Prime Minister's speech disappointing and disturbing: Congress
  22.09.2021
• India: Tripura: New Scheme For Children Orphaned By COVID-19 Launched
  22.09.2021
• India: Stalin launches doorstep healthcare scheme in Tamil Nadu
  22.09.2021
• India: Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana is now extended up to June 30, 2022
  22.09.2021
• India: Explained: How scheme for street vendors will help alleviate poverty
  28.01.2021
• India: ESIC Extends deadline for workers to avail the unemployment benefit
  28.01.2021

See all