Bridging the Gap: How NGOs provide
the Social Security Scheme in India and
Odisha.
Social Security is a right that ensures dignity, protection, and stability for
all communities, especially for the vulnerable. In India, a whole range of
social security schemes have been launched by both the central and state
governments, focusing on areas such as healthcare, education, old-age
pensions, maternity benefits, and insurance.
However, a major challenge remains: accessibility and awareness among
underprivileged communities, particularly in remote and rural regions. This
is where Non-Governmental Organisations [NGOs] step in as critical
enablers, bridging the gap between policies and people.
Key Social Security Schemes in India
1. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana [PMUY] -
A National Mission that provides financial inclusion for every household
with basic savings & deposit accounts, remittance, credit, insurance, and
pension in an affordable manner. Launched in 2014 by Prime Minister
Narendra Singh Modi, the Guinness Book of World Records recognised this
achievement, stating: "The most bank accounts opened in one week as a
part of the financial inclusion campaign is 18,096,130"Jan Dhan Yojana
features in Guinness Book of World Records with 11.5 cr bank accounts"
and was achieved by the Government of India from August 23 to 29, 2014"
2. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana [PMUY] -
A scheme introduced by Narendra Modi for supplying LPG connections to
those below the poverty line. A budgetary allocation of ₹80 billion
(approximately US$950 million) was made for the scheme. The scheme was
replaced by the Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 in 2021.[4] Although the scheme has
expanded access to clean cooking technologies, the use of polluting fuels
remains common, particularly in rural India.
3. Ayushman Bharat Yojana [PM-JAY] -
Also known as Modicare, Ayushman Bharat Yojna is a mission ‘Live long
India’, it aims to provide free access to health insurance coverage for low-
income earners in the country. Roughly, the bottom 50% of the country
qualifies for this scheme. By providing health coverage to 10 crores
households or 50 crores Indians, it covers 5 lakhs per family per year for
medical treatment in empanelled hospitals, both public and private. The
revenue of government hospitals has increased due to the Ayushman
scheme, and patients are receiving better facilities.
4. National Social Assistance Programme [NSAP] -
The National Social Assistance Programme is a Centrally Sponsored
Scheme of the Government of India that provides financial assistance to the
elderly poor widows/widowers and people with disabilities below a certain
income threshold in the form of social pensions.
5. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
[MGNREGA] -
Earlier known as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act or NREGA
is an Indian social welfare that aims to provide the right to work. This act
was passed on 23 August 2005 and was implemented in February 2006 by
Manmohan Singh.
It aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least
100 days of assured and guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to
at least one member of every Indian rural household whose adult members
volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
NGOs Closing the Barriers for the Unvoiced.
Despite these well-planned schemes, lack of documentation, low literacy
rates, and limited access to technology often prevent marginalised groups
from reaping the benefits. NGOs in India and Odisha have played a pivotal
role in solving this problem, working on three core fronts:
1. Awareness & Education.
People in slums, tribal sections, and rural areas aren't as aware as others.
These schemes are not well known to these people, so NGOs are assisting in
closing the gap between the government and the people. NGOs like:
● Gram Vikas [Odisha]
https://www.gramvikas.org/
● Pradan [Pan-India]
https://www.pradan.net/
These organisations create awareness camps, street plays, and local
seminars to guide and inform people about the rights and benefits they are
entitled to use it.
2. Assistance in Enrollment & Documentation
NGO provide free legal aid, help in filling out forms, arranging for Aadhaar
Cards, ration cards, and bank accounts needed to apply for schemes.
● CYSD [Centre for Youth and Social Development]: works with local
governments to support tribal communities in accessing MGNREGA
and pension schemes.
3. Advocacy and Monitoring the Progress
NGOs serve as watchdogs, ensuring that the schemes are implemented
effectively. They report delays, raise complaints, and push for reforms
where needed. Through Right to Information [RTI] and community-led
monitoring, they make the system accountable.
Examples of NGOs Leading the Effort
● ActionAid India: Works with slum dwellers and migrant workers to
ensure access to PM-JAY and ration under NFSA.
● Aaina [Odisha]: Advocates for persons with disabilities and the
elderly to access their rightful pensions and health care.
● Sambadh: Empowers rural women in Odisha to claim benefits from
the Janani Suraksha Yojana [Maternity Care Scheme]
● SEWA [Self-employed Women’s Association: Helps women
workers secure social protection and economic security.
Conclusion
Social Security is only as powerful as its outreach. NGOs, with their
grassroots presence, empathy, and trust among communities, act as the
chain between policy and people. Between the government and the middle
class. Their role is not to be supportive but transformative for the unvoiced
people.
By creating awareness, simplifying access, and standing with the
marginalised, NGOs are ensuring that social justice is not a dream, but a
right lived in every village, every slum, and every forgotten corner of the
country.
References.
1.https://www.gramvikas.org/
2. https://www.pradan.net/
