101 crore Indians now covered under social security net: Govt
New Delhi, July 31
The government said on Friday that India's social protection systems now cover about 101 crore people, or over 68 per cent of the population - a feat that has been highlighted by the International Labour Organization.
Labour Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said that it is essential to have a balanced development model that advances the welfare and social security of workers, as well as ensure ease of doing business for employers.
Addressing the 4th Global Industrial Relations Summit here, organised by the All India Organisation of Employers (AIOE) in association with FICCI, the minister said harmonious industrial relations require continuous coordination among governments, industry, employers, workers and trade unions to ensure that economic development and employment generation progress together.
Stressing that industrialisation is essential for national development as it drives employment creation, he also underlined the growing importance of self-help groups and cooperative models, particularly women-led initiatives, in expanding livelihood opportunities, strengthening the economy and promoting women's empowerment.
Citing improving employment elasticity, Dr. Mandaviya said that every 1 per cent increase in GDP is generating 1.11 per cent employment growth, as compared to 0.008 per cent growth in employment seen twelve years ago.
He also indicated that the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) need not remain the sole provider of care under its own scheme.
Well-run private hospitals could be designated as ESIC facilities, he said, describing upcoming reform of the corporation.
He also pointed to the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation's (EPFO) move to fully digital claims and automatic transfer of accounts on a single UAN, with UPI-based withdrawal under consideration.
According to Michiko Miyamoto, Director ILO DWT for South Asia and Country Office for India, according to the ILO estimate, the country had crossed one billion people covered by at least one social protection criterion.
This achievement, she underscored, would play a key role in propelling India's economic growth in the days ahead.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Impressive numbers from India! The employment elasticity improvement from 0.008% to 1.11% per GDP growth is remarkable. That's a massive shift in just 12 years. Curious to see how the ESIC-private hospital partnership works out though.
Good statistics, but I wonder how many of these 101 crore people actually receive benefits when they need it. My father worked in the unorganized sector all his life - he's on paper but practically got nothing when he fell sick. The gap between coverage and delivery needs to be addressed.
The ILO recognition is significant. India's scale of social security expansion is unprecedented globally. The digital push with UAN and UPI-based withdrawals is exactly what a modern welfare system needs. Good to see the government moving in this direction.
Women-led SHGs getting a mention is great! In my district, these groups have transformed rural livelihoods. The cooperative model combined with social security could be a game-changer for grassroots empowerment. Also, ESIC partnering with private hospitals is long overdue - will improve healthcare access massively.
While the numbers are impressive, I hope this isn't just about counting enrolments. The real measure is whether people can access services without bureaucratic hurdles. Also, the employment elasticity improvement is excellent, but wage stagnation remains a concern that needs attention.
V