Concepts & ILO framework

Social security is protection that society provides against economic and social distress caused by stoppage or reduction of earnings from sickness, maternity, employment injury, unemployment, invalidity, old age and death; and the provision of medical care and subsidies for families with children (ILO).

• ILO Convention 102 (1952) is the flagship Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention — nine branches of benefit.
• India has not ratified C102 in full; it has ratified several other labour conventions (e.g. C138, C182 on child labour).
• Three pillars: (1) social insurance (contributory — EPF, ESI, NPS), (2) social assistance (tax-financed — NSAP, PM-KISAN, PMGKAY), (3) employer liability (gratuity, compensation, maternity in non-ESI units).
• Directive Principles: Art. 41 (right to work, education, public assistance), Art. 42 (just and humane conditions; maternity relief), Art. 43 (living wage), Art. 47 (nutrition and health).
• Concurrent List: social security and social insurance; employment and unemployment (List III).