Why we need social security in India
Poverty is a persistent and widespread problem that affects millions of people around the world. It is defined as a lack of access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare, and can lead to a variety of negative outcomes, including poor health, limited educational opportunities, and social marginalization. In this article of Yojnagyanam It has been discussed that why we need social Security in India. The article analysis the factors responsible for poverty and their inaccessibility to the social security Measures.
Number of people living below the poverty line
Poverty, resource-less-ness and illiteracy or low skills and education are important characteristics of India’s population. NEETI Ayog has identified multi-dimensional poverty. Twelve indicators under the health, education and standard of living have been identified as major characteristics of poverty. Report says that a total 55.4 percent of the total population are living below the poverty line.
It will be noteworthy that the proportion was considered keeping in view the international poverty line of $1 per day (measured at 1993 purchasing power parity exchange rates), then the percentage of poor people in India is even higher, at around 34%. This percentage is pushed up to an alarming level of 80% if one uses the $2 per day as a poverty threshold (SOURCE: Asian Development Bank/11Feb2023).
The recently introduced multi dimensional deprivation index (MPI) also places about 645 million (55.4%) Indians below the poverty line. In terms of non-income dimensions of poverty too, such as infant and maternal mortality rates, literacy levels and gender inequalities, India continues to display 'intense poverty' (SOURCE: Asian Development Bank/11Feb2023).
The Suresh Tendulkar Committee estimated over 430 million (37.2%) below the poverty line based on a bundle of deprivations. The recently introduced multi dimensional deprivation index (MPI) also places about 645 million (55.4%) Indians below the poverty line. In terms of non-income dimensions of poverty too, such as infant and maternal mortality rates, literacy levels and gender inequalities, India continues to display 'intense poverty' (SOURCE: Asian Development Bank/11Feb2023).
One of the most commonly used measures of poverty is the poverty line, which is set by governments and international organizations to determine who is considered to be living in poverty. In many countries, people who are below the poverty line are referred to as "the working poor" because they often have jobs but still struggle to make ends meet.
Challenges for the people living below the poverty line
The lives of people living below the poverty line can be marked by a variety of challenges and difficulties. For example, they may not have access to adequate housing, food, or healthcare, which can result in poor health, malnutrition, and other serious health problems. In addition, they may be unable to afford basic necessities like clothing, school supplies, and transportation, which can limit their ability to succeed in school or find good jobs.
However, overcoming from poverty requires more than just individual effort. Governments and society as a whole also have a role to play in addressing poverty and helping those who are struggling to make ends meet.
The second important indicator is deprivation of education. A full proof web of poverty continues because of lack of education and skills. Those who are resource-less remain out of the purview of education and skills. Those who are not having sound education remain away from high paying jobs. And thus, the exercise of managing daily needs can be managed with great difficulties.
Measures to be taken up
This might include providing financial assistance, improving access to education and job training programs, and investing in programs and policies that help people escape the cycle of poverty.
Social security measures to protect people from poverty a massive campaign has to be initiated. People have to be provided necessary education and information. On the job trainings have been made a necessary course of action to the workers and employees.
Coverage has to extended to the workers and common man, including self-employed individuals and also to those working in the unorganized sector. There are sectors such as construction workers, agricultural workers, and domestic workers, who work in the most difficult circumstances and work in alienated cites have to be linked with some mainstreaming education and training facilities. Mandatory provisions must developed and implement in this regard.
Studies shows that workers registered with EPFO don’t have access to the social security provisions under the scheme. This is because being the working spot out of the sight.
Accessibility to the social security measure for just 5 million workers in a workforce of 476.67 million is not upto the mark. The majority is out of the purview of social security.
The government and industry leaders must take proactive measures to ensure that all workers are covered under social security measures and have access to financial security and protection.
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