What is universal social security schemes?
Historical Background
Key Points
8 points- 1.
Universal social security schemes typically include components like universal healthcare, basic income support, and old-age pensions.
- 2.
They aim to reduce poverty, inequality, and vulnerability.
- 3.
Financing can be through general taxation, social insurance contributions, or a combination of both.
- 4.
Key challenges include affordability, administrative capacity, and political feasibility.
- 5.
Examples of universal social security schemes include the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK and the universal basic income (UBI) experiments in some countries.
- 6.
In India, there is growing debate on the feasibility of implementing a universal basic income scheme.
- 7.
The Jan Dhan Yojana, which promotes financial inclusion, is seen as a step towards universal social security.
- 8.
The success of universal social security schemes depends on effective targeting, efficient delivery, and adequate funding.
Visual Insights
Social Security Schemes: Targeted vs. Universal
Comparison of targeted and universal social security schemes.
| Feature | Targeted Schemes | Universal Schemes |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Specific groups (e.g., BPL families) | All citizens |
| Eligibility | Based on income, caste, etc. | No eligibility criteria |
| Examples | Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), MGNREGA | Universal Basic Income (UBI), National Health Service (NHS) |
| Advantages | Efficient resource allocation, reduces leakage | Reduces exclusion errors, promotes social cohesion |
| Disadvantages | Exclusion errors, stigmatization | High cost, potential for misuse |
Recent Developments
4 developmentsThe COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for stronger social safety nets and universal social security.
There is increasing discussion on the role of technology in delivering social security benefits more efficiently.
The government is exploring options for expanding social security coverage to gig workers and platform workers.
Pilot projects on universal basic income are being conducted in some states.
Frequently Asked Questions
61. What is the definition of universal social security schemes and what is its constitutional basis in India?
Universal social security schemes aim to provide a basic level of social protection to all citizens, regardless of their employment status or income level. The goal is to ensure everyone has access to essential services and a minimum standard of living. As per the concept data, the Constitution of India (Directive Principles of State Policy) provides the framework for social and economic justice.
2. What are the key provisions typically included in universal social security schemes?
Universal social security schemes typically include:
- •Universal healthcare
- •Basic income support
- •Old-age pensions
- •The schemes aim to reduce poverty, inequality, and vulnerability.
Exam Tip
Remember the key components like healthcare, income support, and pensions for prelims.
3. What are the challenges in the implementation of universal social security schemes in a country like India?
Key challenges include affordability, administrative capacity, and political feasibility.
4. How does a universal social security scheme work in practice?
Universal social security schemes work by providing a safety net for all citizens, ensuring access to essential services and a minimum standard of living. Financing can be through general taxation, social insurance contributions, or a combination of both.
5. How has the concept of universal social security evolved over time?
The idea of universal social security gained traction in the 20th century with the development of welfare states in Europe. The Beveridge Report in the UK was a key milestone. Many developing countries are now exploring universal social security models. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for stronger social safety nets and universal social security.
6. What is the significance of universal social security schemes in promoting social justice and reducing inequality?
They aim to reduce poverty, inequality, and vulnerability by ensuring everyone has access to essential services and a minimum standard of living.