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India's Workers Lack Basic Job Security
27 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Over half of Indian regular wage workers lack formal social security.
- A significant gender gap exists in social security access for women.
- Many salaried employees lack job contracts and paid leave entitlement.
In India, a significant number of regular wage and salaried workers in the non-agricultural sector are not covered by any formal social security benefits. This situation leaves millions vulnerable, as more than half lack access to provisions like provident fund, pension, gratuity, or healthcare. The data reveals a persistent gender gap, with women disproportionately affected by the absence of these crucial benefits.
Compounding these issues, a large percentage of salaried employees operate without written job contracts, and nearly half are not eligible for paid leave. This lack of formal agreements and basic entitlements raises concerns about job security and worker welfare across the country.
The newly introduced labour laws are anticipated to address some of these shortcomings, aiming to extend benefits to regular wage workers. However, the current statistics underscore the extensive reach of the problem, affecting four in ten salaried workers who lack paid leave, a written contract, and any form of social security.
