SOCIAL SECURITY OF WORKMEN IN INDIA

AUTHOR – PRANAV RAJ MG, STUDENT AT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, TAMILNADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY

BEST CITATION – PRANAV RAJ MG, SOCIAL SECURITY OF WORKMEN IN INDIA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (6) OF 2025, PG. 442-450, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

ABSTRACT:

Social security for workmen in India is a fundamental aspect of ensuring the well-being and dignity of the workforce. It refers to the protection provided to workers against various risks such as illness, injury, unemployment, old age, and other social and economic hardships. India’s labour market is unique due to its large informal sector, where many workers lack formal contracts and social protection, making the extension of social security a complex challenge. Over the years, the government has introduced several laws and schemes aimed at safeguarding workers’ interests, including provident funds, insurance coverage, compensation for workplace injuries, and maternity benefits. The recent enactment of the Code on Social Security, 2020, represents a significant step toward consolidating multiple labour laws into a single framework, with the goal of improving coverage and simplifying access to benefits. This new code also attempts to include workers from the unorganized sector and the growing gig economy, who were previously outside the scope of many social security measures. Despite these advances, many workers still face difficulties in accessing social security due to lack of awareness, administrative hurdles, and limited outreach, especially in rural and informal settings. To build a more inclusive and effective social security system, it is crucial to strengthen implementation mechanisms, increase awareness among workers, and ensure better coordination between government agencies and employers. Ultimately, a robust social security framework not only protects individual workers but also contributes to social stability and economic growth by reducing vulnerability and promoting a healthier, more productive workforce.

KEYWORDS : Social Security, Workmen, Labour