India’s Social Welfare Revolution: Empowering the Marginalized and Creating an Equitable Society

Social welfare has always been at the heart of India’s development agenda. The government’s recent focus on strengthening social welfare systems aims to uplift the most vulnerable sections of society, from children to street vendors and gig workers. With key initiatives like Saksham Anganwadi, Poshan 2.0, the PM SVANidhi scheme, and social security for gig workers, these measures will create an inclusive, equitable society where no one is left behind.

1. Strengthening Social Welfare Systems

The Indian government has increasingly focused on ensuring that social welfare systems are more comprehensive, accessible, and effective. The 2024 Union Budget highlighted a commitment to expand these systems, not only to support the poor but to empower and uplift citizens across all walks of life.

Key Investments in Social Welfare:

• ₹85,000 crore allocated for nutrition programs under Poshan 2.0 and similar schemes.
• A focus on integrating digital platforms for better distribution of welfare benefits, including the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), which has already reached over 100 crore Indians.

The goal is to build a robust social welfare framework that can adapt to the changing needs of the population, particularly the marginalized groups.

2. Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0: Strengthening Nutrition Support

Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 aim to tackle malnutrition, especially among women and children. India has one of the highest rates of child malnutrition in the world, with around 38% of children under five being stunted (National Family Health Survey, 2021). These schemes are designed to provide better nutrition and ensure early childhood development.

Key Features of Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0:

• Saksham Anganwadi will enhance the capacity of 2.5 lakh Anganwadi centers, providing nutritional food, immunization, and early childhood education.
• Poshan 2.0 expands these efforts, incorporating modern technology and innovation, such as:
  • Real-time monitoring of nutrition supplies
  • Digital tracking of beneficiaries to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Nutritional support to 10 crore women and children each year, reducing the risk of malnutrition and related diseases.

Why This Matters:

• Malnutrition has long-term impacts on physical and mental health, with stunted children more likely to suffer from poor academic performance and chronic health conditions later in life.
• By addressing malnutrition, India aims to improve educational outcomes and economic productivity in the long run.

3. PM SVANidhi Scheme: Boosting Street Vendors

Street vendors play a vital role in India’s economy, contributing to urban life and providing affordable goods and services to millions. Yet, most street vendors lack access to formal credit, making it difficult to expand or sustain their businesses.

The PM SVANidhi (PM Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi) scheme was launched to provide affordable, easily accessible loans to street vendors. This initiative is part of the broader push to provide financial inclusion for all.

Key Features of PM SVANidhi:

• Up to ₹10,000 in collateral-free loans to street vendors.
• Repayment flexibility: Vendors can repay over a 1-year period.
• Interest subsidies of up to 7% for timely repayment, aimed at easing their financial burden.
• More than 30 lakh street vendors have benefited from this scheme so far, helping them recover post-pandemic and continue their businesses.

Example of Impact:

• In Delhi, over 50,000 vendors have availed loans, and many have started digital payment systems through the scheme, ensuring cashless transactions and enhancing their customer base.

This program supports the backbone of India’s informal economy, providing workers with a pathway to formal financial inclusion.

4. Social Security for Gig Workers: Protecting the New Workforce

The gig economy is rapidly expanding, with millions of workers in sectors like ride-hailing, food delivery, and freelance services. These workers often face uncertain income, lack of healthcare benefits, and no job security.

To address these concerns, the government is now offering social security to gig workers, a crucial step towards improving their quality of life.

Key Features of Gig Workers’ Social Security:

• Health insurance coverage: Similar to the benefits available to formal sector workers.
• Identity cards for gig workers to formalize their employment and grant access to welfare programs.
• Access to social security schemes, including pension benefits and accident insurance.

Why It’s Needed:

• The gig economy is expected to grow to 23.5 million workers by 2030 (NITI Aayog), making these protections vital for ensuring their financial stability.
• Insurance coverage and pensions can provide peace of mind for workers who lack the usual employee benefits found in traditional jobs.

5. Focus on Women’s and Children’s Welfare

India has made significant progress in improving women and children’s welfare, but challenges remain. The government has increased its focus on gender equality and child welfare through targeted schemes.

Key Initiatives for Women and Children:

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Aimed at improving the welfare of girl children through education and empowerment. This scheme has helped reduce gender-based disparities in school enrollment, with enrollment rates for girls in secondary education improving by over 50% in the last 5 years.
• National Creche Scheme: Provides day-care services for children of working women. This allows mothers to work without worrying about their children’s care.
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana: Provides ₹5,000 financial assistance to pregnant women and lactating mothers, helping reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.

Data on Women and Children’s Welfare:

• The infant mortality rate in India has dropped from 42 per 1,000 live births in 2014 to 30 per 1,000 live births in 2023 (Rural Development Ministry).
• Women’s labor force participation has been steadily increasing, with a focus on providing financial independence through initiatives like self-help groups (SHGs) and micro-finance loans.

These schemes are empowering women and children to break the cycles of poverty and improve their futures.

6. How These Policies Create a More Equitable Society

The policies described above are helping build a more equitable society in India, where everyone—regardless of background—has access to basic social security, education, and healthcare. These measures are addressing the root causes of inequality, including:

• Lack of financial inclusion: Through schemes like PM SVANidhi and social security for gig workers.
• Gender inequality: By empowering women through initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and maternity benefits.
• Health and nutrition disparities: With Poshan 2.0 and Saksham Anganwadi providing crucial nutritional support to millions of women and children.

Comparison to Other Countries:

• In Brazil, the Bolsa Familia program has been successful in reducing poverty and increasing access to healthcare and education for millions of low-income families.
• South Korea has invested heavily in social welfare, resulting in a high quality of life and a strong social security system that covers everyone from workers to retirees.

By following similar models, India aims to reduce poverty and inequality, building a foundation for a more equitable society.

Conclusion: A More Inclusive and Empowered India

India’s social welfare programs are transforming lives. By empowering vulnerable groups such as women, children, street vendors, and gig workers, the government is creating a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. These reforms aren’t just about providing benefits—they’re about empowering citizens to lead healthier, more secure lives, ensuring that no one is left behind.

As these programs continue to evolve and expand, India is on track to build a society where equality, opportunity, and access are not just ideals but a reality for all.