The welfare state in India: from segmented approach to systems approach in social protection

Abstract

Social protection in India is segmented with multiple programmes applying different targeting methods to design and implementation, providing varied benefits and covering different groups of the population. Such approach to social protection has policy implications for not only India but also for other emerging countries following similar path. A shift to a systems approach to social protection is required to provide comprehensive coverage over the life course of an individual while improving equity and efficiency. In this article, we introduce the welfare state in India, provide a comparative analysis of various programmes, challenges posed by the segmented approach to social protection including barrier to emergency responses and some reforms to consider to move to a systems approach to social protection. We highlight how integrating and consolidation of programmes in the same area, leveraging digital technology and unique identification number, creation of a single database, etc., can speedup progressive universalism.