Publication: Rethinking Social Protection in South Asia: Toward Progressive Universalism
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2024-07-08
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2024-07-08
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Amid increasing and overlapping crises as well as mega-trends such as demographic transitions and technological advancements, it is important to re-examine the role and delivery of social protection in South Asia. Against this backdrop, the report "Rethinking Social Protection in South Asia: Toward Progressive Universalism" argues that, while the region has made significant progress in the provision of social protection, substantial challenges persist. Countries in South Asia need to better equip people, especially the poor and vulnerable, to effectively manage life-cycle risks and cope with shocks. Thus, the publication proposes that the region adopts universal social protection as an ultimate development objective. This entails the establishment of adaptive systems that ensure access to social protection for all whenever and however they need it. In the short to medium-term, the region should engage in progressive universalism, a phased approach that focuses first on providing support to the poor, and gradually continues with the economically vulnerable and the non-poor. In doing so, progressive universalism in South Asia should pay particular attention to the needs of children, youth and women, demographic groups that have been traditionally underserved by the region’s existing social protection systems. Since a large majority of people in South Asia is working in the informal sector, progressive universalism of social protection in the region is also intrinsically linked to the specific needs of informal workers. To inform the achievement of progressive universalism, the report puts forward a 4-pillar framework with a set of recommendations that are fiscally sensitive, and which seek to promote equity, build resilience, and increase opportunities for all.
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“Leon Solano, Rene; Alaref, Jumana; Dorfman, Mark; Majoka, Zaineb; Sabbih, Mostafa Amir; Lorenzo, Elizabeth Mata. 2024. Rethinking Social Protection in South Asia: Toward Progressive Universalism. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/41828 License: CC BY-NC 3.0 IGO.”
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