SOCIAL SECURITY-

 Social Security is a system that helps people and families by giving them financial support when they face challenges like getting old, losing a job, being sick, becoming disabled, or losing the person who earns money for the family. Social security also includes different programs that make sure people can get healthcare and have money to live on during tough times.[1][2]

Components of Social Security Program-

The Social Security program is designed to protect people during various stages of life or in difficult situations[3]. Here are some main components[4]:

1. Pension Scheme – This program ensures that when individuals retire from work, they continue receiving income regularly. The goal of this program is to help retirees maintain a decent standard of living after they stop earning a salary.[5]
2. Unemployment Insurance- This provides financial support to people who lose their jobs, helping them cover essential expenses until they find new employment. It acts as a temporary safety net during the period of their joblessness[6].
3. Disability Insurance- For individuals who cannot work because of having mental or Physical Disability, this program offers financial assistance to help them manage daily living expenses even though they can’t earn a regular income due to their conditions[7].
4. Health Insurance- This program ensures that people can get the Healthcare facilities they need without having to pay the full amount, preventing them from facing financial problems due to medical bills[8].
5. Family Benefits- This provides financial help to families, especially if a worker dies. For example, Survivor benefits give money to the dependents ‘like children and spouses’ of the deceased. Workers ensure the family has financial support even though the main earner is no longer there[9].

Challenges faced by Social Security Systems–

1. Funding Shortfalls: As the Population Ages and people live longer, more individuals rely on social security benefits, which puts a strain on the system’s money. If there isn’t enough money from taxes and contributions to support these benefits, the system can run out of funds. For Example, a country might have more retirees collecting pensions than working people paying into the system, causing a money shortage.
2. Coverage Gaps: Not everyone can access social security benefits, especially those who are in informal jobs ‘like street vendors and freelancers’ who don’t have to contribute. This leaves many people without financial protection. For example, a worker in an informal job might not get benefits like unemployment support or healthcare because they haven’t paid into the social security system.
3. Political Resistance: When the government wants to change social security policies, such as how much people can contribute or who can qualify for benefits, they often encounter opposition from different political groups or the general public. This pushback can make it difficult to make important changes that could help the Social Security system work better. For example, suppose a government suggests increasing the retirement age to solve the money problem in the system. In that case, many citizens might protest against it because they believe it’s unfair to require them to work longer before they can retire.[10]

Impose on economic stability and Poverty Reduction:

Social Security is important for economic stability because it offers financial help during tough times. It helps lower poverty by making sure that vulnerable groups can meet their basic needs, like food, healthcare, and housing. Additionally, it supports economic growth by keeping consumer spending steady during economic downturns[11].

 Labour Welfare

Labour Welfare[12] means the Different programs and support systems designed to make the work environment better for employees. This includes making working conditions better, providing social security, and enhancing worker’s quality of life. Employers, trade unions, and government groups all work together to promote this initiative according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), labour welfare includes services and facilities that help create a healthy and positive work Environment, which can increase workers’ morale and productivity.[13]

Components of Labour Welfare Program:

1. Health and Safety- this focuses on making sure that workers have a safe place to work and also ensures that workers will have access to medical care when they are in need[14].
2. Recreational Facilities- This means providing activities that workers can do in their free time, like sports, cultural events, or places to relax and enjoy themselves[15].
3. Educational Support- This includes offering training programs to help workers improve their skills and also providing scholarships to help worker’s children with their education.
4. Housing Assistance- This means helping workers find affordable homes or providing them with housing facilities, making it easier for them to live comfortably.
5. Social Security Measures- These are programs that offer protection to workers, like insurance that covers health issues, job loss i.e., unemployment, or money for retirement i.e., Pension money.

Challenges in Implementing Labour Welfare Programs:

1. Funding Limitations- There’s not enough money to create or run programs for workers, making the programs less effective and harder to reach everyone who needs them[16].
2. Awareness Gaps- This means that many workers do not know about the benefits available to them, so they don’t use the programs that could help them.
3. Regulatory Compliance- Many complex legal rules must be followed, which can make it harder to set up and run the Programs smoothly[17].

Contribution to Employee Satisfaction and Productivity:

Labour welfare programs help make workers happier by providing a supportive work environment that takes care of their needs, some positive effects are[18]–

1. Higher Morale: when workers feel like their well-being is important to the company, they feel more appreciated and motivated[19].
2. Increased Productivity: Workers who are happy with their jobs tend to be more motivated, which helps them work harder and be more productive.
3. Reduced Absenteeism: Welfare programs such as health benefits improve worker health, resulting in fewer sick days and increased presence at work[20].

CONCLUSION:

In India, social security and labour welfare systems are very important for workers it play an important or an crucial role in improving their life both financially and socially, especially during the of their retirement , duration of unemployment, or at the time of sicknesses., health issues, major illness etc. The Program social security include retirement plan i.e., pension; medical emergency i.e., health insurance and programs for persons who are disabled or need special care. However, some problems like lack of monetary funds or workers who are not part of formal employment are often not included in the security programs. Labour welfare programs focusing on making the workplace better by ensuring workers health and safety, providing them education opportunities and offering housing assistance. Although, these programs exists, challenges like limited funds and persons not aware about this programs reduce their success. Strengthening these labour welfare systems is important for improving workers well-being and reducing poverty.

[1] True Tamplin CEPF® BSc, ‘Social Security | Definition, How It Works, Types, Eligibility, and Taxes’ (Finance Strategists) <https://www.financestrategists.com/retirement-planning/social-security/> accessed 10 October 2024.

[2] ‘General Overview Ministry of Labour & Employment|Government of India’ <https://labour.gov.in/socialsecurity/general-overview> accessed 10 October 2024.

[3] ibid.

[4] India Briefing, ‘Introduction to India’s Social Security System’ (India Briefing News, 6 May 2022) <https://www.india-briefing.com/news/introduction-social-security-system-india-6014.html/> accessed 10 October 2024.

[5] ‘An Opportunity To Rethink India’s Pension System – PWOnlyIAS’ <https://pwonlyias.com/editorial-analysis/rethink-indias-pension-system/> accessed 10 October 2024.

[6] The Hindu Bureau, ‘Extending Unemployment Benefits Major Challenge for India: ILO Report’ The Hindu (30 September 2024) <https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/extending-unemployment-benefits-major-challenge-for-india-ilo-report/article68702204.ece> accessed 10 October 2024.

[7] ‘How Much Does Mental Health Disability Pay?’ (Verywell Mind) <https://www.verywellmind.com/how-much-does-mental-health-disability-pay-5209541> accessed 10 October 2024.

[8] Sarah Jain, ‘19 Types Of Government Health Insurance Schemes In India’ (Forbes Advisor INDIA, 24 September 2024) <https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/health-insurance/government-health-insurance-schemes-in-india/> accessed 10 October 2024.

[9] REBA, ‘Why Family Friendly Benefits Are of Increasing Importance to Your Workforce’ <https://reba.global/resource/why-family-friendly-benefits-are-of-increasing-importance-to-your-workforce.html> accessed 10 October 2024.

[10] ‘Ten Global Challenges for Social Security’.

[11] Policy Circle Bureau, ‘Social Security in India: The Fragile Shield Faces Growing Economic Challenges | Policy Circle’ (20 November 2023) <https://www.policycircle.org/policy/social-security-in-india/> accessed 10 October 2024.

[12] Mayuri K, ‘Labour Welfare: Meaning, Evolution, Scope, Concept and Theories’ (Economics Discussion, 14 September 2019) <https://www.economicsdiscussion.net/labour/labour-welfare/31839> accessed 10 October 2024.

[13] ‘Labour Welfare: Meaning, Evolution, Scope, Concept and Theories’ <https://www.economicsdiscussion.net/labour/labour-welfare/31839> accessed 10 October 2024.

[14] WeWork Staff and WeWork Staff, ‘10 Workplace Safety Tips Every Employee Should Know’ (WeWork India, 27 September 2024) <https://wework.co.in/blogs/10-workplace-safety-tips-for-employee/> accessed 10 October 2024.

[15] Anıl Onur Mercanoğlu and Kerem Yıldırım Şimşek, ‘The Impact of Employee Recreation on Their Respective Productivity’ (2023) 13 Sage Open 21582440231196967.

[16] Liz Mount, ‘“Funding Does Something to People”: NGOs Navigating Funding Challenges in India’ (2022) 32 Development in Practice 69.

[17] K (n 12).

[18] Wellable, ‘The Importance Of Employee Well-Being In The Workplace’ (Wellable, 21 August 2024) <https://www.wellable.co/blog/importance-of-employee-well-being-in-the-workplace/> accessed 10 October 2024.

[19] Neelie Verlinden, ‘15 Effective Employee Morale Examples To Boost Morale in 2024’ (AIHR, 15 November 2023) <https://www.aihr.com/blog/employee-morale-examples/> accessed 10 October 2024.

[20] Lucia Tarro and others, ‘Effectiveness of Workplace Interventions for Improving Absenteeism, Productivity, and Work Ability of Employees: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials’ (2020) 17 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 1901.