By W. van Ginneken (ed.)

The large majority of workers in developing countries are excluded from social security protection. This volume examines this problems in Benin, China, El Salvador, India and the United Republic of Tanzania, and explores ways in which governments and organizations at national and local levels can work together to bring social security protection to all. This book, through a series of detailed case studies compiled by an international array of policy experts, looks closely at the workings of self-financed schemes for informal workers that emerged in the 1990s, and highlights the schemes that have been most beneficial. It focuses on how NGOs, cooperatives and other organizations have been able to develop institutions and policies more in line with the requirements and contributory capacity of the informal sector. The authors evaluate various approaches to the extension of formal sector social insurance to informal sector workers, including the self-employed. In addition, they explore how social assistance programmes, although often requiring sophisticated administration, can help ensure that benefits reach the population most in needs, such as children, the disabled and the elderly. The study offers an in-depth analytical introduction on the extension of social security in developing countries as a whole, and a conclusion containing innovative policy recommendations for countries designing and implementing new programmes. Social security for the excluded majority pleads for a participatory approach to the extension of social security - one where national or local governments and organizations come together to create practical, workable policies regarding social security protection and the informal sector. A novel feature concerns area-based social insurance schemes, aiming at full coverage in a geographical area.

By W. van Ginneken (ed.)

Social security for all Indians was a basic commitment by the Indian state to its people on the eve of Independence. While the Constitution spells out various elements, the availability of contingent social security in India remains heavily weighted in favour of public employees and workers in the organized sector. This book reflects a growing awareness that the extension of formal social insurance cannot be the simple answer to the need for social protection of the large majority of the Indian population. It also discusses how social security can be extended to all Indians, especially the marginalized sections like women and workers in the unorganized sector. The first part of the book demonstrates that vigorous action by various labour groups and NGOs operating in the "unorganized sector" can make an important contribution to the extension of social security coverage. It also examines the possible impact of the recently established national Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) which focuses on social assistance benefits for old people. The second part of the book outlines some characteristics of an integrated approach towards social security for all Indians. The author suggests that the most promising avenue for rapid expansion of social security protection is the development of the so-called area-based social security schemes. This book will provide valuable insights to students, policy-makers, social security organizations and international development agencies.