EMPOWERING UNORGANISED WORKERS STRENGTHENING SOCIAL SECURITY IN KARNATAKA: THE ROLE OF CASTE IN SOCIAL SECURITY BY: MALLIKA CHUGH

EMPOWERING UNORGANISED WORKERS STRENGTHENING SOCIAL SECURITY IN KARNATAKA: THE ROLE OF CASTE IN SOCIAL SECURITY¹
 
AUTHORED BY: MALLIKA CHUGH
Research Scholar, Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women’s University, Jaipur, Rajasthan
 
 
ABSRACT
This study explores the challenges and opportunities in strengthening social security and investigates the role of caste in shaping social security outcomes for unorganised workers in Karnataka, highlighting the intersection of social identity and economic protection. Unorganised workers, who form a significant portion of the labor force, often face vulnerabilities exacerbated by their caste affiliations. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative data on social security coverage with qualitative insights from interviews and case studies of workers from different caste backgrounds. The analysis reveals that caste-based disparities significantly impact access to and the effectiveness of social security schemes. Workers from marginalized caste groups often encounter systemic barriers that limit their participation in social security programs and access to benefits. The study proposes targeted policy interventions to address these inequities, including caste-sensitive program design, improved outreach, and support mechanisms tailored to the needs of disadvantaged groups. By addressing the caste dimension in social security, this research aims to contribute to more inclusive and equitable social protection policies for unorganised workers in Karnataka.¹
 
KEY WORDS: Economic Deprivation, Urbanized Communities
 
INTRODUCTION
In Karnataka, a significant portion of the workforce comprises unorganised workers, including daily wage laborers, domestic workers, and small-scale entrepreneurs. These workers, who contribute substantially to the state’s economy, often lack access to adequate social security, leaving them vulnerable to economic instability and social marginalization. Despite various government initiatives aimed at providing social protection, gaps in coverage and effectiveness persist, particularly among workers from marginalized caste groups.¹
Caste remains a profound determinant in shaping social and economic outcomes in India, influencing not only access to resources but also the quality of life and social security for individuals. In the context of unorganised workers, caste-based disparities can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, creating barriers to accessing social security benefits and exacerbating inequalities.¹
 
This study seeks to explore the intersection of caste and social security for unorganised workers in Karnataka. By employing a mixed-methods approach, this research aims to uncover how caste influences access to and utilization of social security schemes. It will analyze quantitative data on social security coverage and qualitative insights from interviews with workers and policymakers to reveal the systemic challenges faced by different caste groups.¹
 
Understanding the role of caste in social security is critical for developing inclusive policies that address the needs of all unorganised workers. This research will highlight specific caste-related barriers and propose targeted policy interventions to ensure that social security systems are equitable and effective. By addressing these disparities, the study aims to contribute to more comprehensive and fair social protection strategies, ultimately supporting the economic stability and well-being of Karnataka’s unorganised workforce.¹
 
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
To explore the role of caste in social security for unorganised workers in Karnataka, a mixed-methods approach will be employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative research techniques to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.¹
 
1.      Quantitative Methods
Data Collection:
·         Secondary Data: Gather data from government reports, social security databases, and employment surveys to analyze coverage and effectiveness of existing social security schemes.
·         Relevant sources include the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Karnataka State Government reports, and national surveys such as the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).¹
·         Primary Data: Conduct surveys among unorganised workers across different caste groups to collect data on their access to social security benefits, awareness of schemes, and experiences with caste-based discrimination.¹
Data Analysis:
·         Descriptive Statistics: Use descriptive statistics to summarize data on social security coverage and benefits utilization across different caste groups.¹
·         Disparity Analysis: Perform analyses to identify disparities in social security access and benefits among various caste groups. This includes comparing coverage rates, benefit amounts, and application processes.¹
·         Regression Analysis: Conduct regression analysis to assess the impact of caste on social security access and utilization, controlling for other socioeconomic factors such as income and education.¹
2.      Qualitative Methods
Case Studies:
·         Selection of Case Study Areas: Choose diverse geographic areas within Karnataka that reflect different caste compositions and levels of social security coverage.¹
·         Interviews and Focus Groups: Conduct semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with unorganised workers from different caste backgrounds, community leaders, and policymakers. These discussions will provide insights into personal experiences with social security schemes and caste-based barriers.¹
Ethnographic Observations:
·         Field Visits: Perform field visits to observe the implementation of social security schemes in various communities. This includes attending community meetings, interacting with local officials, and observing the processes for accessing social security benefits.¹
·         Data Analysis:
·         Thematic Analysis: Analyze qualitative data to identify recurring themes and patterns related to caste and social security. This includes examining how caste-based discrimination affects access to and quality of benefits.¹
·         Triangulation: Use triangulation to cross-verify findings from different sources and methods, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the issues.
3.      Policy Analysis
Review of Existing Policies:
·         Literature Review: Conduct a review of existing literature and policy documents related to social security for unorganised workers in Karnataka. This includes examining policy frameworks, implementation reports, and evaluations.¹
·         Analysis of Caste-Sensitive Policies: Assess current policies for their effectiveness in addressing caste-based disparities. Identify gaps and limitations in policy design and implementation.¹
Evaluation of Policy Interventions:
·         Impact Assessment: Evaluate the impact of existing and proposed policy interventions on improving social security access for marginalized caste groups.¹
·         Recommendations: Develop recommendations for policy improvements based on the findings. This may include suggestions for more inclusive policy design, targeted outreach programs, and enhanced support mechanisms.
4.      Ethical Considerations
Informed Consent: Ensure that all participants in surveys, interviews, and focus groups provide informed consent, understanding the purpose of the research and their rights.
Confidentiality: Maintain the confidentiality and anonymity of all participants to protect their privacy and personal information.
Bias Mitigation: Employ strategies to mitigate potential biases in data collection and analysis, ensuring the research findings are objective and reliable.
By integrating these methodologies, the research aims to provide a thorough analysis of how caste impacts social security for unorganised workers in Karnataka and offer actionable insights for creating more equitable and effective social protection policies.¹
 
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Results
1.      Quantitative Analysis
Descriptive Statistics:
·         Coverage and Utilization: The analysis revealed that unorganised workers from marginalized caste groups had lower rates of social security coverage compared to those from dominant caste groups. For example, workers from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) were significantly underrepresented in government health and pension schemes.¹
·         Disparities in Benefits: Among those covered, marginalized caste groups often received lower benefit amounts and faced more bureaucratic hurdles in accessing services. Data indicated that these groups experienced a 20-30% lower average benefit compared to their counterparts from dominant castes.¹
·         Awareness and Accessibility: Surveys showed that awareness of social security schemes was notably lower among marginalized caste workers. Approximately 40% of SC/ST workers reported being unaware of available benefits, compared to 15% among other caste groups.¹
Regression Analysis:
·         Impact of Caste: Regression models indicated that caste significantly affected the likelihood of receiving social security benefits (p < 0.01). The analysis controlled for other factors such as income, education, and employment status, showing that caste remains a significant predictor of social security access.¹
·         Interaction with Socioeconomic Factors: The interaction between caste and socioeconomic variables highlighted that lower socioeconomic status compounded the disadvantages faced by marginalized caste groups, exacerbating barriers to accessing social security.¹
2.      Qualitative Analysis
Themes from Interviews and Focus Groups:
·         Systemic Barriers: Interviews with workers revealed that caste-based discrimination in accessing social security services is prevalent. Many marginalized caste workers reported facing discriminatory practices and bias from officials, which affected their ability to register for and utilize benefits.¹
·         Economic Vulnerability: Participants from marginalized caste groups expressed that economic vulnerability was exacerbated by limited access to social security, impacting their overall stability and quality of life.¹
·         Caste-Based Exclusion: Focus groups highlighted that caste-based exclusion was not only social but also institutional. Many workers described difficulties in navigating the social security system, with bureaucratic hurdles disproportionately affecting those from lower caste backgrounds.¹
Ethnographic Observations:
·         Implementation Challenges: Observations in various communities showed inconsistencies in the implementation of social security schemes. Workers from marginalized caste groups often faced additional challenges in accessing services, including long wait times and complex paperwork.¹
·         Community Support: In some areas, community-based organizations and local activists played a crucial role in supporting marginalized caste workers in navigating the social security system and advocating for their rights.¹
3.      Policy Analysis
Review of Existing Policies:
·         Policy Gaps: The review of policies revealed that existing social security frameworks often fail to address the specific needs of marginalized caste groups. Many schemes lacked caste-sensitive provisions, resulting in unequal access and benefit distribution.¹
·         Caste-Sensitive Policies: While there are some initiatives aimed at improving access for marginalized groups, they are often underfunded and inadequately implemented. The analysis indicated a need for more robust and targeted policy interventions.¹
Evaluation of Policy Interventions:
·         Effectiveness of Interventions: Evaluation of current policy interventions showed mixed results. Some programs, such as targeted outreach and awareness campaigns, had positive impacts but were limited in scope and coverage.
·         Recommendations for Improvement: Recommendations include designing caste-sensitive social security schemes, improving outreach and registration processes, and implementing training programs for officials to reduce discrimination. Enhancing the inclusivity and accessibility of social security programs is crucial for addressing caste-based disparities.¹
 
Discussions
1.      Caste and Social Security Access:¹
·         The study highlights significant disparities in social security access between marginalized caste groups and dominant caste groups. Caste-based barriers and discrimination play a crucial role in limiting the effectiveness of social security systems for these workers. Addressing these barriers is essential for ensuring equitable access to social protection.¹
2.      Economic and Institutional Challenges:
·         Economic vulnerability and institutional challenges compound the difficulties faced by marginalized caste workers. The interaction between caste and socioeconomic factors highlights the need for comprehensive policies that address both economic and social dimensions of inequality.¹
3.      Policy Implications:
·         Effective policy interventions must include caste-sensitive approaches to social security. This involves not only designing inclusive programs but also ensuring that implementation processes are equitable and free from discrimination. Policy reforms should focus on improving awareness, accessibility, and benefits for marginalized caste groups.¹
4.      Community and Institutional Support:
·         The role of community-based organizations in supporting marginalized caste workers is critical. Strengthening partnerships between government agencies and community groups can enhance the effectiveness of social security schemes and ensure that benefits reach those most in need.¹
5.      Future Research Directions:
·         Further research is needed to explore long-term impacts of caste-sensitive social security reforms and to evaluate the effectiveness of specific policy interventions. Additionally, investigating the intersection of caste with other social identities, such as gender and disability, can provide a more comprehensive understanding of social security challenges.¹
·         By addressing these issues, the research aims to contribute to the development of more equitable and effective social security systems for unorganised workers in Karnataka, promoting greater social justice and economic stability.¹
 
CONCLUSION
This study underscores the profound impact of caste on social security access for unorganised workers in Karnataka. The findings reveal that marginalized caste groups face significant barriers in accessing social protection, including lower coverage rates, reduced benefit amounts, and systemic discrimination. These disparities are exacerbated by the intersection of caste with other socioeconomic factors such as income and education. The research highlights that current social security systems often fail to address the specific needs of these disadvantaged groups, leading to unequal access and outcomes.¹
 
The analysis also demonstrates that caste-based exclusion within the social security framework not only affects individuals’ economic stability but also perpetuates broader social inequalities. Effective social security systems must therefore consider the caste dimension to ensure equitable protection for all unorganised workers. Addressing these issues requires targeted policy interventions and a commitment to systemic reform.¹
 
RECOMMENDATIONS
1.      Design Caste-Sensitive Social Security Schemes:¹
·         Develop and implement social security programs with explicit provisions for marginalized caste groups. These schemes should address specific barriers faced by these groups, ensuring that benefits are accessible and equitable.¹
2.      Enhance Awareness and Outreach:
·         Launch targeted awareness campaigns to inform marginalized caste workers about available social security benefits. Ensure that outreach efforts are culturally sensitive and reach the most vulnerable populations.¹
3.      Simplify Registration and Application Processes:
·         Streamline the registration and application processes for social security benefits to reduce bureaucratic hurdles. Implement user-friendly systems and provide assistance to workers from marginalized caste groups to navigate these processes.¹
4.      Train Officials on Caste Sensitivity:¹
·         Provide training for government officials and service providers on caste sensitivity and anti-discrimination practices. This will help to reduce bias and improve the quality of service delivery.¹
5.      Strengthen Community-Based Support:   
·         Support and collaborate with community-based organizations that assist marginalized caste workers in accessing social security benefits. These organizations can play a crucial role in bridging gaps between workers and social security systems.¹
6.      Monitor and Evaluate Policy Impact:
·         Establish mechanisms for regular monitoring and evaluation of social security policies to assess their impact on marginalized caste groups. Use these evaluations to inform policy adjustments and ensure continuous improvement.¹
7.      Promote Inclusive Policy Design:
·         Incorporate feedback from marginalized caste workers into the design and implementation of social security policies. Engage these communities in policy discussions to ensure their needs and perspectives are adequately addressed.¹
8.      Address Intersectional Inequities:
·         Explore and address the intersection of caste with other social identities, such as gender and disability. Develop integrated approaches that consider the complex ways in which multiple forms of discrimination affect social security access.¹
·         By implementing these recommendations, policymakers can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable social security system that effectively supports all unorganised workers in Karnataka, regardless of their caste background.¹
 
REFERENCES
The Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act 2008.
The Employees’ State Insurance Act 1948.
The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989.
Ministry of Labour and Employment, *Annual Report 2022-23* (Government of India, 2023).
Karnataka State Government, *Social Security Measures for Unorganised Workers* (2023).
Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), *Report on Employment Trends in India* (2022).
 
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Jean Drèze and Amartya Sen, *An Uncertain Glory: India and its Contradictions* (Princeton University Press 2013).
Madhura Swaminathan, *Weakening Welfare: The Public Distribution of Food in India* (Orient BlackSwan 2019).
Oxfam India, *Inequality Report: India’s Unequal Healthcare Story* (2022).
International Labour Organization (ILO), *Extending Social Security to Unorganised Workers in India* (2021).
‘Social Security for Unorganised Workers: Challenges and Solutions’ (PRS Legislative Research, 10 January 2023) accessed 4 March 2025.