Revolutionizing India’s Social Security with Blockchain Technology | by Dr. Sheetal Nair | May 2023

Having been in the workforce for nearly two decades, I see Social Security as the safety net that catches you when you fall and the bridge that carries you into retirement.

Introduction

In India, there are several social security schemes aimed at providing financial assistance and protection to various sections of the population. The current government has also introduced a number of major social security schemes in India

1. National Pension System (NPS): A voluntary defined contribution pension system for individuals in the organized and unorganized sector.
2. Employee’s Provident Fund (EPF): A mandatory scheme that provides pension benefits to employees in the organized sector.
3. Employee’s State Insurance (ESI): A compulsory scheme that provides health insurance and medical benefits to employees earning below a certain threshold in the organized sector.
4. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY): A government-funded personal accident insurance scheme that offers accident and disability cover to people aged 18 to 70 years.
5. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY): A government-funded life insurance scheme that offers life insurance cover to people aged 18 to 50 years.
6. Atal Pension Yojana (APY): A government-funded pension scheme for unorganized sector workers that provides a guaranteed minimum pension after the age of 60.
7. National Social Assistance Program (NSAP): A government-funded scheme that provides financial assistance to destitute elderly, widows and disabled people.

The Blockchain Option

There are several issues in implementing social security initiatives, especially since India’s social security system is an important safety net for the country’s young citizens, providing financial assistance and support to those in need. And investments are constantly increasing in this sector. .

However, the current system is plagued with problems such as corruption, inefficiency and inadequate coverage. These challenges have led to a growing interest in exploring alternative solutions, such as blockchain technology.

Blockchain technology is a decentralized and transparent system for storing and sharing information that provides a secure and tamper-proof way of managing data. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way social security is administered in India, providing a more efficient, secure and accessible system for citizens.

One of the key benefits of blockchain technology is its ability to provide a secure and immutable ledger of all transactions. This means that once data is recorded on the blockchain, it cannot be changed or deleted, providing a transparent and tamper-proof system that can prevent fraud and corruption. This is particularly important in a country like India, where corruption is a major concern and has been known to plague the social security system.

Another advantage of blockchain technology is its ability to provide a decentralized governance system. This means that data is stored across multiple nodes, making it more difficult for one party to control or manipulate the system. This can help address concerns about centralized control and can make the system more resilient to cyber attacks.

In addition, a blockchain-based social security system can improve efficiency and reduce administrative costs. Currently, India’s social security system is plagued by inefficiencies and delays, with many beneficiaries waiting months or even years for their benefits. A blockchain-based system can automate the process, simplify the verification of eligibility and the distribution of benefits. This can help reduce the time and resources required to manage the system and improve overall efficiency.

Furthermore, blockchain technology can provide a more accessible system for citizens. Currently, many people in India do not have access to traditional banking services, which can make it difficult for them to access benefits and financial assistance. A blockchain-based system could provide a more inclusive system, allowing citizens to access benefits without the need for a traditional bank account.

Examples of successful implementation of Blockchain

Blockchain technology is being implemented in social security systems worldwide, providing a more secure, efficient and transparent way to manage data and transactions. Here are some examples:

1. Estonia: Estonia is a pioneer in the use of blockchain technology for social security. Its “e-Estonia” system uses blockchain to manage citizens’ health records, voting records and other personal data, providing a secure and efficient way to manage and protect citizens’ information.
2. Chile: Chile uses blockchain technology to manage its social security system. The system uses blockchain to securely store and manage citizens’ personal data, reduce the risk of fraud and ensure that benefits are distributed fairly.
3. Japan: Japan is exploring the use of blockchain technology for its social security system. The government is working with IBM to develop a blockchain-based system that can securely manage citizens’ personal data and improve the efficiency of the system.
4. South Korea: South Korea uses blockchain technology to manage its national pension system. The system uses blockchain to securely store and manage pension data, reduce the risk of fraud and ensure that pensions are distributed fairly.
5. United Arab Emirates: The United Arab Emirates is exploring the use of blockchain technology for its social security system. The government is working with blockchain startups to develop a blockchain-based system that can provide a transparent and secure way to manage personal data and transactions.

Collectively, these examples demonstrate the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize social security systems around the world, providing a more efficient, secure and transparent way to manage data and transactions.

Bottlenecks and policy paralysis

However, implementing a blockchain-based social security system in India will require significant investment in technological infrastructure and regulations.

A few roadblocks or bottlenecks to the implementation will be

1. Infrastructure: The implementation of a blockchain-based social security scheme will require a robust and secure infrastructure to store, process and manage large amounts of data. India’s current digital infrastructure may not be equipped to handle the amount of data that such a scheme would generate.
2. Scalability: A blockchain-based social security scheme will need to handle a large number of transactions in real time. The scalability of current blockchain networks remains a matter of concern and may not be able to handle the volume of transactions required for a social security scheme.
3. Integration with existing systems: India’s social security system is currently managed by several government agencies and departments. Integrating a blockchain-based system with existing systems will require significant effort and coordination.
4. Security: While blockchain technology provides robust security features, there is always a risk of cyber attacks and data breaches. Ensuring the security of a blockchain-based social security scheme will require a comprehensive security framework.
5. Awareness and education: The success of a blockchain-based social security scheme will depend on the general public’s awareness and understanding of the technology. It will take a significant effort to educate the public about the benefits and uses of blockchain technology.
6. Cost: Implementing a blockchain-based social security scheme will require significant investments in infrastructure, technology and human resources. The costs of implementing such an arrangement can be a significant bottleneck for the authorities.

Overall, implementing a blockchain-based social security scheme in India will require significant effort, coordination and investment. While blockchain technology has the potential to improve the efficiency and transparency of social security systems, it is important to address the potential bottlenecks before implementation.

In conclusion, a blockchain-based social security system can provide a more secure, efficient and accessible system for managing social security in India. Although there are challenges in implementing such a system, the potential benefits are significant and could help improve the lives of millions of people in the country.

“Remember the future will be more connected, yet socially disconnected.”