Develop implementation strategy for National Social Insurance Scheme (NSIS) in Bangladesh
Project properties
- Partners: UNDP
- Status: In progress
- This project is part of the Global Flagship Programme on Building Social Protection Floors for All
Description
The social protection system in Bangladesh is undergoing gradual transformation, particularly since the adoption of the National Social Security Strategy (NSSS) in 2015. The National Social Security Strategy aims to transition from a targeted approach to universal coverage, focusing on a life-cycle approach and promoting social insurance. The National Social Security Strategy envisions a National Social Insurance Scheme (NSIS) comprising unemployment insurance, employment injury insurance, maternity insurance, and sickness benefits. However, progress toward operationalizing these schemes has been slow, with limited institutional arrangements and a lack of clarity among stakeholders. Misinterpretations of social insurance as akin to commercial insurance have further hindered progress, with the regulatory authority for insurance companies being assigned oversight responsibilities unsuited to National Social Insurance Scheme objectives. As part of its efforts, UNDP has partnered with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to assist the government in preparing a roadmap for National Social Insurance Scheme (NSIS) and its implementation strategy. This roadmap aims to build tripartite and inter-ministerial consensus, engaging the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Labour and Employment, and other stakeholders in a consultative process. Misconceptions about social insurance's nature and utility have contributed to inadequate institutional arrangements and a lack of dialogue among the government, employers, and workers. Additionally, stakeholders are largely unaware of successful models in comparable countries, further complicating efforts to establish an effective system. The intervention focuses on building conceptual clarity and consensus among stakeholders through training, dialogue, and capacity-building initiatives. It aims to ensure the development of a strategy for operationalizing NSIS, aligned with both international benchmarks and national priorities. The intervention envisions achieving two key outcomes: the development of a roadmap for NSIS and its implementation strategy, and enhanced knowledge-sharing and capacity-building among national stakeholders. Specific outputs include the establishment of an Inter-ministerial Tripartite Working Group (ITWG), stakeholder consultations, the delivery of training courses on social insurance, and the promotion of south-south collaboration for capacity-building and knowledge-sharing. In conclusion, it is intended to lay the foundation for a more comprehensive and effective social security system that protects workers and contributes to inclusive economic growth through building consensus, enhancing capacity, and developing a clear roadmap. The emphasis on tripartite dialogue and international best practices ensures that the developed strategy is both relevant to the national context and aligned with global standards.SDG
Goals
- End poverty in all its forms everywhere
- Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Time
01.01.2025 - 30.11.2025
Budget
51 632 / 292 859
Development Cooperation