Efforts of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s government pave way for historic expansion in Social Protection Coverage in India in last 11 years
- Press Information Bureau
- June 12, 2025
India has witnessed a historic surge in social protection coverage, with the International Labour Organization (ILO) noting an increase from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, marking the fastest expansion globally. The ILO’s ILOSTAT database confirms that over 94 crore Indians are now covered by at least one social protection benefit. This leap in coverage positions India second globally in terms of the number of beneficiaries. The achievement stems from a decade of welfare reforms and targeted labour-centric schemes under the leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, reflecting the government’s ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ vision.
During a bilateral discussion with the Director General ILO, Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, at the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Mr. Mansukh Mandaviya showcased India’s national-level Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise, conducted in partnership with the ILO. The ILO acknowledged India’s efforts and officially published the updated data on its dashboard, praising the country’s rights-based and inclusive approach to social security. Mr. Mansukh Mandaviya stated that this achievement is a testament to India’s digital governance and social commitment. The present figure represents Phase I of the data pooling exercise, covering the Central sector and women-centric schemes across eight states. With further phases underway, India’s social protection coverage is expected to surpass 100 crore beneficiaries. This progress is set to support India's international negotiations for Social Security Agreements (SSAs), ensuring benefit portability for Indian professionals abroad and reinforcing India’s stature in global labour and trade discussions.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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