Development of Legal Matrix and Brief Narrative Reports for Extending the Social Protection Floor in Selected States

Aims and Objectives: The research aims to assess different social protection measures at both the all-India and state levels. It will identify policy gaps and implementation issues in the existing social protection schemes and provide recommendations for redesigning and implementing social protection provisions to ensure, at a minimum, the Social Protection Floor (SPF) for the entire population. Additionally, the study will aid in the implementation of the Social Security Codes of 2020.

Methodology: The study covered nine states: Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Data collection was conducted through the analysis of secondary data. To address emerging issues in widening and strengthening the Social Protection System at state and regional levels, virtual workshops (webinars) were organized for Eastern India, Uttar Pradesh, and Western India.

Key Components:

1. Assessment Matrix:
   • Contains inventory of existing social protection schemes for each of the four guarantees of the SPF.
   • Identifies policy gaps and implementation issues at both all-India and state levels.
2. Brief Narrative Reports:
   • Based on the assessment matrix.
   • Provide recommendations on the design and implementation of social protection provisions for further improvement, aiming to guarantee the SPF to all residents.

Four Guarantees of Social Protection:

1. Health Care: All residents have access to affordable essential health care, including maternity care.
2. Child Security: All children receive basic income security, providing access to nutrition, education, care, and necessary goods and services.
3. Active Age-Group Security: All persons in active age-groups who are unable to earn sufficient income, particularly in cases of sickness, unemployment, maternity, and disability, receive basic income security.
4. Old Age Security: All residents in old age receive basic income security through pensions or transfers in kind.

Findings:

1. Programme Coverage: While all states have well-meaning programmes for social protection, they are often under-funded and temporary, subject to changes with each government change every five years.
2. Funding Guarantees: There is a need for guaranteed funding and continuity in programmes.
3. Targeting Issues: There are many dimensions and challenges in effectively targeting the beneficiaries of social protection programmes.

Recommendations:

1. Guaranteed Funding: Ensure continuous and adequate funding for social protection programmes.
2. Policy Continuity: Maintain continuity in social protection programmes across different government terms.
3. Effective Targeting: Improve targeting mechanisms to ensure that social protection reaches the intended beneficiaries.
4. Strengthening SPF Guarantees: Focus on the four guarantees of social protection to provide comprehensive coverage for all residents.