INDIA'S SOCIAL PROTECTION GAPS AMID CLIMATE CHANGE: ILO URGES URGENT REFORMS

M argaret Mead, the famous anthropologist, once observed, "The first sign of civilization is not a sharpened stone or tool, but a healed femur.

- BIJAYANI MISHRA & ASHA VERMA

" This quote reflects the essence of human care and mutual support. It highlights that true civilization begins when people look after one another, especially in need. Today, this idea extends to the social protection systems we build to support our citizens.

Like many nations, India is grappling with converging crises-climate change, economic instability, and rapid technological transformations. These challenges are exposing the gaps in the country's social protection systems. According to the World Social Protection Report 2024-26 by the International Labour Organization (ILO), India spends only 5.1% of its GDP on social protection (excluding healthcare), significantly lower than the global average of 12.9%. High-income countries spend around 16.2% of their GDP on social security. This disparity leaves India's population, particularly informal workers and vulnerable groups, under-protected. Coverage rates are also alarmingly low, with just 32.4% of the population covered by at least one form of social protection in India, compared to 71% in upper-middle-income countries This underinvestment in social protection means that millions are left vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks.

CLIMATE CHANGE: A GROWING THREAT TO LIVELIHOODS According to the report, 25% of India's population is at risk of climate-related disasters. Despite this, India's social protection system is not well-equipped to handle these crises. Programs like PM-KISAN, which provide income support to farmers, offer some relief, but much more is needed. Crop insurance, unemployment benefits, and health coverage are either insufficient or inaccessible to those most at risk.