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COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL SECURITY IN PUNJAB WITH OTHER STATES
-Anushka Jain
‘Social security is not just another government spending program. It is a promise from generation to generation.’
Social Security is a government program that benefits-eligible workers and their families. It generally refers to a government program that provides financial support to individuals, usually through retirement benefits, disability payments, and survivor benefits. India has a robust social security legislative framework governing social security, encompassing multiple labor laws and regulations. These laws govern various aspects of social security, particularly focusing on the welfare of the workforce. Generally, India’s social security schemes cover the different types of social insurance such as Pension, health insurance and medical benefits, disability benefits, maternity benefit and gratuity.
While a large portion of the Indian population is in the unorganized sector and may not have an opportunity to participate in each of these schemes, Indian citizens in the organized sector (including those employed by foreign investors) and their employers are entitled to coverage under the above schemes.
‘Poverty is terror and having your social security threatened is also terror.’ This statement explains the basic yet most important element of social security which is taken seriously by different government but on papers. It is in their submission to the citizen of the country to defy the very aspect of poverty as it is the main crux threatening social security.
Social Security is an indispensable aspect of any country's welfare system. It aims to provide a safety net for citizens who cannot support themselves due to old age, illness, disability, or other reasons. Social Security not only provides financial protection and stability for individuals and families but also ensures retirement security, along with survivor benefits. It moreover, supports disabled individuals, reduces poverty and inequality which in turn stabilizes the economy of a country.
SOCIAL SECURITY IN PUNJAB
Social security in Punjab encompasses a range of government programs and initiatives to provide financial and social support to vulnerable and marginalized sections of society. These schemes aim to ensure a basic standard of living, promote social welfare, and empower individuals. Social security is essential in Punjab because of some key reasons such as economic stability for vulnerable groups, support for farmers and agricultural workers, healthcare and medical assistance employment and labor welfare poverty reduction and social upliftment women’s empowerment and child welfare and crisis preparedness.
An overview of key Social Security Schemes in Punjab:
1. Old Age Pension Scheme
2. Widow/Destitute Pension Scheme
3. Dependent Children Pension Scheme
4. Disabled Person Pension Scheme
5. National Family Benefit Scheme
Social security is not just a safety net but a necessity for Punjab’s sustainable development. It ensures that every citizen—especially the marginalized—has access to financial stability, healthcare, and dignified living conditions. Expanding and strengthening these policies will lead to a more inclusive and resilient society.
INITIATIVES IMPLEMENTED BY THE PUNJAB GOVT TO ENHANCE WOMEN’S SAFETY AND EMPOWERMENT:
Punjab Civil Services (Reservation of Posts for Women) Rules, 2020 was enacted on October 14, 2020, this policy provides 33% reservation for women in direct recruitment to posts in state government, boards, and corporations, thereby promoting greater participation of women in public services. Concessional Bus Travel Facility for Women provided concessional bus travel facility for women aged 60 and above was initiated on November 12, 1999. This scheme offers a 50% concession on bus fares in Punjab Roadways and PEPSU Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) buses. In a significant policy update, as of April 1, 2021, the Punjab government extended free travel in ordinary buses to all women, regardless of age. This initiative allows women to travel without any fare in government-run buses within the state. Menstrual Leave Policy at Panjab University in Chandigarh became the first university associated with the Punjab government to grant menstrual leave to female students. The policy allows one day of leave per calendar month of teaching, with a maximum of four days per semester, acknowledging the health needs of female students. State-of-the-Art Command and Control Center (2024) enhance public safety, especially for women, the government established a command center and introduced a women's helpline (181) for immediate assistance. Women Helpline (181) is a toll-free helpline number established to provide 24/7 support to women in distress, offering immediate assistance and guidance. District Hubs for Women's Empowerment (2024) which is established in every district, the aim to improve women's skills, provide greater job opportunities, and boost digital literacy and economic growth. Creation of 3,000 New Anganwadi Worker Posts (2024) which was announced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, seeks to empower women through employment opportunities in Anganwadi centers. Construction of 1,419 Anganwadi Centers (2025), with an investment of ₹200 crore, the government plans to establish new centers and upgrade existing ones to promote the holistic development of women and children. Women Safety Wing Punjab (2024) was launched to ensure women's safety, this initiative includes features like a panic button, emergency response services, legal aid, and counseling. Sakhi One Stop Centre’s [OSC] provides integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence, offering services such as emergency response, medical aid, legal assistance, and counseling. Punjab State Commission for Women constituted the Punjab State Commission for Women to safeguard the rights of women, to provide justice, and to raise the status of women. Commission deals seriously and takes immediate action on all types of cases of women received in their department i.e., domestic violence, harassment for dowry, sexual harassment, acid attack, right to property, to provide immediate relief and justice to victim women.
POLICIES IMPLEMENTED TO ENHANCE SOCIAL SECURITY:
Enhanced Social Security Pension: In September 2021, the government increased the monthly social security pension from ₹750 to ₹1,500, benefiting approximately 27 lakh individuals, including the elderly, widows, destitute women, and persons with disabilities. Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS): In October 2022, the Punjab Cabinet approved the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme for state government employees, fulfilling a long-standing demand. Health, Hygiene, and Awareness Camps: Launched in December 2024, these camps aimed to improve women's employment opportunities and health awareness, resulting in numerous job placements and training opportunities. Matru Vandana Yojana: In 2024, under this scheme, ₹48.55 crore was disbursed to nearly 1.3 lakh pregnant and lactating women to support maternal health. Free Bus Travel for Women: The government introduced a scheme providing free bus travel for women, with over one crore women benefiting monthly.
COMPARISON OF PUNJAB WITH OTHER STATES
In this article we have drawn a comparison of Punjab with Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh:
Expenditure (In Crore):
Unemployment rate:
(As of June 2022- July 2023)
Punjab- 6.1
Tamil Nadu- 4.3
Karnataka- 2.4
Madhya Pradesh- 1.6
The above data show that Punjab has the highest unemployment rate, followed by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh mainly because ineffective implementation of policies and lack of resources to claim certain benefits provides by policies. Moreover, lack of quality education also plays major role in defining the social strata. Ineffective utilization of state capital for creating jobs, particularly in the service and manufacturing sector also ultimately leads to unemployment among the youth of the state. One of the major yet buried reason is the incomplete agricultural transformation which has to be a shift from the agricultural sector to the service and manufacturing sector for a country to have stable economy which leads to social security. Most of the population of Punjab is employed in the agricultural sector which is also a core reason for the unemployment.
Policies introduced by the Punjab government to curb unemployment are Ghar Ghar Rozgar Andolan which is the flagship program aims to provide employment opportunities to every household in the state. It includes job fairs, skill development programs, and 1 financial assistance to entrepreneurs. Punjab Kaushal Rozgar Mission which aims to provide employment-oriented training to young people. It also works to connect job seekers with employers. Mera Kaam Mera Maan Scheme which provides skill training to unemployed youth and an employment assistance allowance of ₹ 2,500 per month for 12 months.
Policies introduced by the governments of other states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh to curb unemployment are effective enough to curb the social security however, the proper implementation is the main problem due to which majority of problem arises.
Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC) has been instrumental in providing skill training aligned with industry needs, enhancing the employability of the state's youth. Tamil Nadu Skill Development Mission (TNSDM) offers skill training programs to enhance employability. Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) promotes entrepreneurship through training and financial assistance. Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (REGS) guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural households.
Policies in Karnataka such as Yuva Nidhi Scheme provides financial assistance to unemployed graduates and diploma holders to support them while they seek employment. New Industrial Policy aims to attract investments worth INR 5 lakh crore and create employment opportunities for 20 lakh people in the next five years. Focuses on key sectors like automobiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering, knowledge-based industries, and aerospace. Five 'Guarantee' Scheme launched five guarantee schemes, including Yuvanidhi for unemployed graduates, which aim to provide social security and support to vulnerable sections, indirectly contributing to employment generation. Promoting tourism significant employment generator. The government is focusing on developing tourist infrastructure and promoting various tourism circuits in the state.
Policies in Madhya Pradesh such as Mukhyamantri Yuva Swabhiman Yojana scheme provides temporary employment to unemployed youth in urban areas and offers skill development training. Yuva Shakti Mission aim to empower youth through employment opportunities, skill development, and leadership initiatives. Women Empowerment Mission seeks to educate women and make them self-reliant, thereby achieving economic and social empowerment. Farmer Welfare Mission intends to increase farmers' income and make agriculture a more profitable venture. Garib Kalyan Mission In January 2025, the Madhya Pradesh cabinet approved the implementation of the 'Garib Kalyan Mission' to eradicate poverty in the state by 2028. This mission focuses on uplifting economically disadvantaged sections by ensuring their income meets a minimum level.
Pension Schemes
PUNJAB: Monthly pension of ₹1500 for elderly, widows and disabled.
TAMIL NADU: Pension of ₹1000 -₹1500 for elderly, widows and disabled.
KARNATAKA: Sandhya Suraksha Yojana (₹1200 for the elderly and disabled).
MADHYA PRADESH: Social Security pension (₹600-₹1500 for different categories).
The Punjab government disbursed ₹4,532.60 crore in pensions up to November 2024, benefiting approximately 34.09 lakh beneficiaries under the Old Age Pension and financial assistance schemes. In the 2024-25 budget, Tamil Nadu announced a payroll subsidy scheme offering 10% of the salary for women, differently-abled, and transgender employees in new industrial units employing over 500 such individuals. Additionally, ₹13,720 crore was allocated for the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam, under which 1.15 crore women receive ₹1,000 as monthly assistance.
Punjab has implemented a 181 helpline for women in distress. Conducted awareness campaigns on gender equality and women's rights. Focus on the prevention of female foeticide and infanticide. Took Initiatives for women's education and empowerment.
Karnataka implementation of ‘Nirbhaya' scheme and 'Mahila Sahayavani' helpline. Focus on prevention of child marriage and dowry. Took Initiatives for women's safety in public spaces. AI-Based Security in Medical Institutions (2024) is the scheme where in, in September 2024, the government decided to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) technology to bolster safety measures for women healthcare personnel across medical campuses. Increasing Women's Representation in Police Force (2024) As of March 2024, the state aimed to raise the proportion of women in the Karnataka State Police from the existing 8% to 25%. To support this goal, the government-sanctioned six new women police stations in Bengaluru, bringing the total to eight. Each station is staffed with two women counselors to assist visitors
Tamil Nadu introduced 'Amma Two-Wheeler Scheme' (Subsidized scooters for working women). 'Thaalikku Thangam' scheme (Financial assistance for marriage). Strong focus on women's health and education initiatives for the prevention of violence against women.
Madhya Pradesh introduced 'Ladli Lakshmi Yojana' (Financial assistance for girls). 'CM Helpline' for immediate assistance. Launched Campaigns against violence against women. Implement stringent laws against sexual offenses. Increased reservation in Government Jobs in November 2024, the state government raised the reservation quota for women in state government services from 33% to 35%. This policy aims to promote gender equality and empower women by providing greater opportunities in public employment. Establishment of Women's Safety Committees: In October 2024, Madhya Pradesh launched its first district-level Women's Safety Committee in Indore. Comprising members from various departments, including law enforcement and tourism, these committees are designed to ensure a secure environment for women travelers and address their grievances. The initiative is set to expand to other prominent tourist destinations across the state.
Social Awareness Campaign Raised in PUNJAB conducted Campaigns on gender equality, women's rights, and health. Focused campaigns against female foeticide and child marriage. Awareness programs on social security schemes and benefits. In December 2024, the government launched the “Health, Hygiene, and Awareness Camps” initiative to enhance women's employment opportunities and health awareness. These camps facilitated job placements and provided training opportunities in collaboration with companies like IBM and Microsoft.
KARNATAKA campaigns on women's safety, and gender equality. Digital literacy campaigns for women. The 'Shakti Scheme not only provided free bus services but also raised awareness about women's rights to safe and accessible public transportation.
TAMIL NADU introduced the 'Pudhumai Penn' scheme in September 2022, focusing on higher education assurance for girls. While primarily an educational initiative, it also emphasized the importance of women's empowerment and societal awareness. Launched several extensive public awareness campaigns on women's health, education, and safety.
MADHYA PRADESH has Extensive public awareness campaigns on women's health, education, and safety. Promotion of girl child education and welfare.
Number Of People Benefitted in PUNJAB are Approximately 34.09 lakh beneficiaries received pensions under the Old Age Pension and Financial Assistance schemes. Additionally, over one crore women benefited monthly from the free bus travel scheme. In TAMIL NADU Under the 'Pudhumai Penn' scheme, about six lakh girls benefit annually. The 'Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme' launched in September 2022 benefits over 1.14 lakh primary government school children. In KARNATAKA, schemes collectively supported approximately 16.27 million beneficiaries as of the specified date. Additionally, under the 'Suo-Motu Inclusion' initiative launched in February 2021, around 30,000 elderly individuals received old-age pensions. In MADHYA PRADESH Mukhyamantri Ladli Bahna Yojana has beneficiaries mainly women aged 23 to 60 from economically weaker sections providing financial assistance of ₹1,000 monthly.
Recommendations:
Punjab has undertaken several initiatives for social security and women's empowerment but has still not been able to achieve its aim or because of some reasons it is not able to perform well in those criteria. Punjab can take the lots of effective initiatives to enhance its performance by reviewing and updating existing laws to address all forms of violence against women, ensuring they are comprehensive and effectively enforced and ensuring the proper implementation of the policies and they should be accessible to people without any discrimination. The state should conduct proper campaigns to inform people about the benefits of policies and how to claim them. NGOs are an important unit that works for the people they can enhance their interaction with people on the ground level and can make them aware of the policies that are introduced in their favor. Increase the number of shelters and support centers offering legal aid, counseling, and rehabilitation services for women affected by violence. The state should support the upcoming entrepreneurs and women-led startups and can provide aid to the new startups to motivate them and also support them financially. The state can provide Financial Inclusion by providing microfinance opportunities and financial literacy programs to help women start and manage their businesses. Conduct awareness campaigns to educate communities about women's rights and the importance of gender equality. Punjab can increase social security by allocating sufficient capital to generate jobs to curb increasing unemployment in the state. Universalizing access- Ensure that all residents, regardless of their employment status or income level, have access to basic social security benefits like healthcare, education, and housing. Streamline the delivery of existing social security programs to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and ensure that benefits reach those who need them promptly. Ensure that all children have access to free and quality education, and invest in vocational training programs to equip individuals with the skills they need to participate in the workforce.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, to truly enhance social security and women's safety in Punjab, a multi-pronged approach is crucial. Expanding social security coverage to all residents, especially vulnerable groups, is essential. Strengthening existing programs through efficient delivery and adequate benefits is vital. Investing in healthcare, education, and affordable housing creates a strong foundation. Simultaneously, fostering economic development with job creation and support for small businesses reduces vulnerability. Good governance with transparency, community involvement, and technology integration ensures accountability and accessibility. For women's safety, stricter law enforcement, swift justice, and gender sensitization are paramount and initiatives such as the Virtual Women Police Station and the Women Safety App enable women to report incidents and seek assistance without visiting police stations physically. Promoting women's education and economic independence empowers them.
‘A collective societal shift challenging patriarchal norms is key to lasting change.’
References:
1. Ministry of Finance
2. Ministry of statistics
3. Government of Tamil Nadu; Labor welfare and skill development department
4. Accounts of government of Madhya Pradesh
5. Times of India official
6. Fortune India
7. Department of social security and women and child development of Punjab
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