India’s pension system is evolving from a limited government-backed entitlement framework to a broader, contributory, and market-linked architecture. While schemes like NPS, APY, PM-SYM and digital reforms have widened access and increased assets to over ₹16 lakh crore, coverage remains uneven—especially for informal workers, who form the majority of the labour force. Key challenges persist in pension adequacy, fiscal sustainability, and public awareness. Strengthening inclusion, improving returns, and building trust are central to shaping a more secure retirement landscape for India’s ageing population.
Click to View MoreQ-commerce has transformed urban consumption by offering ultra-fast deliveries, but its speed-driven model creates significant social and governance challenges. Delivery workers face high accident risks, unstable incomes and algorithmic pressure, while cities experience rising traffic violations and congestion linked to gig operations. Weak labour regulations and incomplete social-security frameworks leave workers vulnerable, and platforms often evade accountability through opaque incentive systems. Although governments have introduced measures such as social-security codes, welfare boards and safety guidelines, implementation remains uneven. A balanced approach that strengthens worker protection, ensures platform transparency and improves urban regulation is essential to make the quick-delivery ecosystem safe, fair and sustainable.
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India’s rapidly growing gig economy has become vital to urban services, but extreme heatwaves are exposing serious gaps in worker protection. Delivery partners, cab drivers, and other platform-based workers are forced to work long hours outdoors without shade, hydration, or social security benefits—putting their health and livelihoods at risk. While advisory measures exist, enforcement remains weak and retaliation against workers raising concerns is common. To sustain both productivity and human dignity in a warming climate, India must strengthen legal safeguards, ensure heat-safety infrastructure, and expand social protection for gig workers.
Click to View MoreKerala will be "extreme poverty-free" by November 1, 2025, a goal achieved through a decentralized model led by local bodies and Kudumbashree. They identified vulnerable families and addressed their food, health, and housing needs, marking a significant step in inclusive growth and SDG-1.
Click to View MoreThe Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) faces challenges due to frequent premature withdrawals by members, which drain retirement savings meant for post-retirement security. Data shows that nearly half of members withdraw funds shortly after unemployment, often rejoining later, causing breaks that reduce pension benefits. Most EPFO members earn low wages, limiting their contribution capacity. To address this, the government has introduced stricter withdrawal norms, minimum balance requirements, and streamlined withdrawal categories. Improving financial literacy, expanding coverage, and encouraging longer membership are key steps to strengthen India’s social security system.
Click to View MoreThe domestic workforce, mostly women from marginalized communities, faces exploitation due to informal work and lack of rights. Denied fair wages and protection, they remain invisible. The Supreme Court directed the Centre to form an expert committee to draft a protective law.
Click to View MoreIndia's unemployment rate has dropped to 2%, the lowest among G20 nations, indicating the effectiveness of government schemes and economic growth in creating employment opportunities.
Click to View MoreFeminization of aging means more elderly women in senior citizen group, they face unique vulnerabilities like poverty, poor health, and social isolation, rooted in lifelong gender inequalities. Despite their societal contributions, they lack financial security and adequate healthcare. Way Forward require gender-sensitive policies, robust social protection, and community support for equitable and dignified aging.
Click to View MoreThe MSME sector is the backbone of the Indian economy, driving employment, innovation, and exports, but faces challenges related to credit access, technology adoption, and skilled workforce, requiring continued government support and focus on digitalization and sustainability for resilient growth.
Click to View MoreMigrant workers, vital to the Indian economy, face poverty, no social security, and poor living conditions, which worsened during COVID-19. Despite laws like the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, implementation lags. The solution lies in robust legal frameworks, tech like ONORC and e-Shram, and a National Migrant Labour Policy for their rights and dignity.
Click to View MoreIndia's welfare state prioritizes citizen well-being through needs- and rights-based initiatives, enshrined in the Constitution. Evolving from historical roots to tech-enabled delivery, it has improved health, education, and poverty. Challenges include inequality, coverage gaps, and funding. Strengthening implementation, increasing budget, and leveraging technology responsibly are crucial for future success.
Click to View MoreThe Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Ordinance, 2025, aims to address issues like precarious employment, income volatility, lack of social security, poor working conditions, and algorithmic control in India's gig economy, which is expected to employ 23.5 million workers by 2029-30.
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