“EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL SECURITY CODE, 2020 IN PROTECTING UNORGANISED WOMEN WORKERS”

AUTHOR – FATHIMA.M, STUDENT AT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, THE TAMIL NADU DR AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY

BEST CITATION – FATHIMA.M, “EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL SECURITY CODE, 2020 IN PROTECTING UNORGANISED WOMEN WORKERS”, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (5) OF 2026, PG. 616-626, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

This research paper critically examines the effectiveness of the Code on Social Security, 2020 in protecting unorganised women workers in India. The unorganised sector constitutes a significant portion of India’s workforce, with women forming a particularly vulnerable segment due to socio-economic disadvantages, lack of formal employment contracts, and limited access to welfare mechanisms. Although the Code on Social Security, 2020 was enacted with the objective of consolidating and extending social security benefits to all categories of workers, including those in the unorganised sector, its practical implementation raises serious concerns.

The paper analyses the legal framework governing social security under the Code, with particular emphasis on provisions relating to unorganised workers, gig workers, and platform workers. It further explores the extent to which these provisions address gender-specific challenges such as wage disparity, lack of maternity benefits, occupational hazards, and absence of institutional support. While the Code introduces progressive mechanisms such as registration of workers and welfare schemes, the absence of clear enforcement strategies, ambiguity in employer liability, and dependence on voluntary compliance significantly limit its effectiveness.

The study adopts a doctrinal research methodology, relying on statutory analysis, judicial precedents, government reports, and secondary literature. It highlights the gap between legislative intent and ground reality, particularly in the context of unorganised women workers who often remain excluded from formal social security systems due to structural and administrative barriers.

The paper concludes that while the Code on Social Security, 2020 represents a significant step towards inclusive labour welfare, it falls short in adequately addressing the unique vulnerabilities of unorganised women workers. It proposes targeted reforms, including gender-sensitive policy design, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and enhanced awareness initiatives, to ensure meaningful protection and realisation of social security rights.

 KEYWORDS – Social Security Code, 2020, Unorganised Workers, Women Labour, Labour Law Reform, Gender Justice, Informal Sector