Strengthening Social Security for the Diaspora: An Analysis of the NoRKA Care Plus Expansion

From a governance perspective, the scheme highlights the importance of state-led interventions in the social sector. By leveraging private insurance infrastructure, the government ensures efficient service delivery while maintaining oversight. This model can be viewed as a proactive approach to 'diaspora diplomacy,' where the state actively engages with its citizens beyond its borders to foster a sense of security and belonging. Furthermore, it underscores the necessity of integrating the diaspora into the domestic social security framework, acknowledging their contribution to the state's development. As migration patterns evolve, such targeted welfare schemes become essential tools for protecting vulnerable sections of the population who are often excluded from traditional domestic social security nets. UPSC Relevance: This topic is highly relevant for GS Paper II under the 'Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections' and 'Effect of policies on Indian diaspora' segments. Aspirants can use this as a case study in Mains answers regarding the role of state governments in providing social security to migrant workers and the importance of public-private partnerships in the social sector.