Srinagar, Dec. 12 -- Social security systems play a central role in reducing poverty, enhancing resilience, and promoting equitable development. Universal social security coverage allows every resident, regardless of income, employment status, or demographic characteristics, access to a minimum set of social protections such as pensions, healthcare, unemployment benefits, or disability support. India is closer than ever to building a universal social security system-something most nations even the most developed ones took decades of sustained investment to achieve.

With the Labour Codes, especially the Code on Social Security, 2020, the country has the legislative architecture to protect every worker, from gig drivers to factory employee...