Did ILO Really Rank India 2nd Globally for Social Security Coverage?
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Synopsis
India's remarkable rise in social security coverage is a landmark achievement, now reaching 94 crore people and earning a top global ranking. This significant increase highlights the government's commitment to welfare and inclusion. Discover how India's policies are transforming lives and setting a global standard for social protection.
Key Takeaways
- India has achieved a 45 percentage point increase in social security coverage.
- Over 94 crore individuals are now covered by at least one social protection benefit.
- India is ranked second globally for social security coverage according to the ILO.
- The achievement reflects the government's commitment to inclusive welfare policies.
- India is the first country to update its social protection data in the ILOSTAT database.
Geneva, June 11 (NationPress) India has marked a significant achievement with a remarkable 45 percentage point increase in its social security coverage, now encompassing 94 crore individuals and earning the second spot globally according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) dashboard.
As per the latest data from the ILO, India's social security coverage soared from 19 percent in 2015 to 64.3 percent in 2025, showcasing an unprecedented growth of 45 percentage points over the last decade.
The ILO has recognized India's success, confirming that 64.3 percent of its population, which translates to over 94 crore people, are now recipients of at least one social protection benefit.
The Director General of the ILO commended India’s dedicated welfare initiatives aimed at the underprivileged and laborers during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.
The ILO’s assessment criteria for evaluating a country’s schemes require that they be legislatively supported, disbursed in cash, and verified with time series data for the past three years.
During a bilateral meeting with the ILO Director General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, on the sidelines of the International Labour Conference (ILC), India’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, highlighted the government’s pro-poor and labor welfare initiatives over the last 11 years.
The Minister informed the DG ILO about the national-level Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise, which the government has conducted in partnership with the ILO.
Mandaviya stated, “This outstanding achievement reflects the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi and the dedicated efforts of the government in establishing an inclusive and rights-based social protection system. This increase represents the fastest growth in social protection coverage globally, demonstrating the government’s steadfast commitment to 'Antyodaya'—empowering the most marginalized and ensuring no one is left behind.”
Currently, this figure only represents Phase I of the data pooling exercise, which concentrated on beneficiary data from Central sector schemes and women-centric initiatives across eight selected states. With Phase II and further consolidation in progress, it is anticipated that India’s overall social protection coverage will soon exceed the 100 crore mark once additional schemes are verified by the ILO.
India is also the first nation to update its 2025 social protection coverage data in the ILOSTAT database, reinforcing its leadership in digital governance and transparency in social welfare systems.
Furthermore, the increase in social protection coverage will bolster India’s international relations, particularly in finalizing Social Security Agreements (SSAs) with developed nations.
These agreements will facilitate the portability of social protection benefits for Indian professionals abroad, while providing partner countries with the transparency necessary for mutual recognition frameworks. This will further enhance India's position in trade and labor mobility discussions, highlighting a credible and robust social protection framework.
Mandaviya is leading an Indian delegation to Geneva, Switzerland, from June 10 to 12, 2025, to partake in the 113th session of the ILC of the ILO.
Point of View
India's advancement in social security coverage is a commendable step towards fostering an inclusive society. The government's initiatives under Prime Minister Modi's leadership are notable, reflecting a commitment to uplift the underprivileged and ensure that no one is left behind. This achievement positions India as a leader in social welfare on the global stage, warranting recognition and further collaboration with international partners.
NationPress
13/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current social security coverage in India?
According to the ILO, India's social security coverage has reached 64.3%, covering over 94 crore people, marking a significant increase from 19% in 2015.
How did India achieve this ranking?
India's ranking is a result of focused welfare policies and the implementation of various social protection schemes under the Modi government over the past decade.
What are Social Security Agreements (SSAs)?
SSAs are agreements between countries that allow for the portability of social protection benefits for professionals working abroad, ensuring they can access their rights while working in foreign nations.
What is the significance of this achievement?
This milestone not only enhances India's reputation in global welfare systems but also strengthens its position in international trade and labor negotiations.
When is the 113th session of the ILC?
The 113th session of the International Labour Conference is being held from June 10 to 12, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland.
