Evolution of Social Security in India

The International Labour Organization defines Social Security as ‘The security that society furnishes through appropriate organization against certain risks to which its members are exposed’. The right to social security is a critical component of International Labour Standards. Thus, it is essential to promote economic growth while safeguarding the right and well-being of workers. Starting from pre independence era many steps were taken to uphold the social security. Many social security legislations such as Employee Compensation Act, Employees State insurance Act, Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, Maternity Benefit Act, Payment of Gratuity Act, Payment of Bonus Act etc., have been enacted to strike a balance between economic growth and the protection of worker’s rights. However, the issue of wage disparity, occupational health and safety, gender inequality and problems of informal Labour continues. Thus, necessary steps should be taken to address the gap and challenges in the Labour law and Social Security.