Is India Making Strides Towards Inclusive and Universal Social Protection?
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Synopsis
With the recent ISSA Award 2025, India is setting a global benchmark in social security. Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya unveils the nation’s ambitious strides towards inclusive and universal social protection, aiming to empower millions.
Key Takeaways
- India is advancing towards inclusive and universal social protection.
- Received the ISSA Award 2025 for outstanding social security achievements.
- Social security coverage increased from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025.
- e-Shram portal connects 310 million unorganised workers with welfare schemes.
- Integrating technology for better social security delivery.
New Delhi, Oct 3 (NationPress) India is making significant progress towards inclusive and universal social protection, stated Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. This announcement follows the nation receiving the esteemed International Social Security Association (ISSA) Award 2025 for its outstanding achievement in social security on Friday.
This triennial award acknowledges India’s remarkable advancements in social protection systems on a global scale.
As the fifth recipient of this award, India now stands alongside leading nations in the realm of social protection coverage.
During his address at the World Social Security Forum (WSSF) 2025 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mandaviya, who serves as the Minister for Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs, emphasized India’s historical growth in social security coverage, which surged from 19 percent in 2015 to 64.3 percent in 2025. This expansion now encompasses over 940 million citizens, as validated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
“This accolade reflects the vision of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our guiding principle of Antyodaya, which aims to empower the most marginalized sections of society, and that has guided our journey towards inclusive and universal social protection,” Mandaviya remarked while accepting the award on behalf of the government.
Furthermore, the Union Minister elaborated on the establishment of a comprehensive digital public infrastructure in India, designed for the efficient last-mile delivery of social security benefits, with special reference to the e-Shram portal.
“The e-Shram portal functions as a National Digital Database, providing a 'One-Stop Solution' that connects over 310 million unorganised workers with various social welfare schemes through a user-friendly, multilingual interface,” he explained at this premier global gathering of over 1,200 social security policymakers and professionals from 163 countries.
Mandaviya also highlighted the National Career Service (NCS) portal, which is equipped with advanced digital tools to unite job seekers and employers.
“Currently, NCS boasts an authenticated database of skilled workers, easily accessible to employers globally, and is integrated with e-Shram. This ensures that our skilled youth can tap into international opportunities without compromising their social security benefits,” he noted.
In his address at the summit's plenary session, Mandaviya underscored the role of India’s two prominent social security organizations, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), which deliver a variety of healthcare, insurance, and pension schemes to the country’s workforce.
He also discussed the evolving role of social security in alignment with technological and labor market developments.
“We are reinforcing our social security framework through comprehensive policy, process, and digital reforms. India is utilizing technology to create new income opportunities and establish a social security net through a holistic strategy that combines financial access, skill development, self-employment, and digital innovation,” the Minister asserted.
“India is poised at the forefront, ready to shape the future and inspire the world’s youth,” he concluded.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize India's commitment to enhancing social security. The advancements discussed by Minister Mandaviya reflect a national effort to build an inclusive framework that addresses the needs of all citizens, particularly the marginalized. This is a significant step towards ensuring a sustainable future for the workforce.
NationPress
03/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ISSA Award?
The ISSA Award is a prestigious recognition given to countries for outstanding achievements in social security, highlighting their progress and innovation in this crucial sector.
How has India's social security coverage changed?
India's social security coverage has expanded significantly from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, now encompassing over 940 million citizens.
What is the e-Shram portal?
The e-Shram portal is a National Digital Database that connects unorganised workers with various social welfare schemes, offering a multilingual interface for easy access.
What role does technology play in India's social security?
Technology is being leveraged to enhance social security through digital reforms, creating new income opportunities and providing a comprehensive safety net for citizens.
Who are the key organizations in India's social security framework?
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) are the two leading organizations providing a range of healthcare, insurance, and pension schemes.
