India's Social Protection Coverage Doubles to 49%, Says ILO Chief

India's Social Protection Coverage Doubles to 49%, Says ILO Chief

According to the International Labour Organization's (ILO) World Social Protection Report 2024-26, the proportion of India's population covered by at least one social protection benefit (excluding health) has increased from 24% in 2021 to 49% in 2024.

Social protection provides support based on life risks (such as unemployment and disability) and addresses general poverty and social exclusion.

Significance of Social Protection

• Building an Inclusive Society: Ensures security for children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
• Addressing Climate Adaptation: Helps tackle poverty, inequality, and social exclusion.
• Other Benefits: Supports the transition to greener jobs and sustainable economic practices.

Challenges to Social Protection in India

• Limited Coverage: The informal workforce lacks comprehensive social protection.
• Gender Disparity: Only 26% of Indian women are covered by at least one social protection measure, compared to 39% of men.
• Insufficient Financing: India allocates only 5% of its GDP to social protection (excluding healthcare), well below the global average of 13%.
• Impact of Automation: AI is projected to disrupt around 12 million jobs in India by 2030 (McKinsey).

Way Forward

• Strengthening Social Protection: Expand unemployment insurance and pension schemes to include informal workers.
• Addressing Gender Disparities: Broaden maternity benefits and ensure better access to pension schemes for women.
• Improving Data and Reskilling: Enhance data collection, monitoring, and reskilling initiatives, especially in the face of AI advancements, to reach more beneficiaries.

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