An overview of social security legislations i...

An overview of social security legislations in India

Author Name : Dr. Ravishanakar K. Mor

Social Security for employees is a concept which over time has gained importance in the industrialized countries. Broadly, it can be defined as measures providing protection to working class against contingencies like retirement, resignation, retrenchment, maternity, old age, unemployment, death, disablement and other similar conditions.

The social security system in India has evolved in obedience to the impact of Western influence and of the modern urban industrial system. Though the non-industrial classes also are in urgent need of social security, their needs have been more acutely felt after the advent of industrialization in the 19th century. Social reformers, labor welfare organizations and many progressive employers persuaded the government to undertake social security measures as a protection for the workers at least against a few contingencies. “Social security is a major aspect of public policy today and the extent of its prevalence is a measure of the progress made by a country towards the idea of a welfare state”.

The Constitution levies responsibility on the State to provide social security to citizens of the country. The State, here, discharges duty as an agent of the society in order to help those who are in adverse situations or otherwise needs protection owing to above mentioned contingencies. Article 41, 42 and 43 of the Constitution do talk about the same.

Article 43 of the Indian Constitution speaks of state's responsibility to provide social security to the citizens of this country.