A critical analysis of vulnerability in informal sector employment in India: Protective mechanisms and adequacy of protection

Abstract

AbstractThe measure of a civilized society, is how well it is able to protect its weakest and most vulnerable members. Vulnerable workers typically comprise very young and elderly workers, and disabled, indigent, and sick workers, usually employed in unregulated informal sector jobs. This study seeks to study the prevalence of vulnerability among workers in India, both physical and economic, occasioned by informality of their employment. It looks into the kind and degree of vulnerability faced by workers in informal sector occupations, in part by comparing with similar workers in formal employment, and checks whether protective mechanisms and safety nets are required, mandated, and in place, in the form of food transfers, medical treatment, income support, or subsidies. Relying on primary data, this study seeks to assess the actual availability and adequacy of social protection in terms of access and enforceability, gaps and reasons thereof, including barriers to take‐up, and concludes that gaps in implementation and targeting are the primary reasons for the prevalence of vulnerability in informal employment.