How Are Govt Social Security Schemes Benefiting Over 64% of India's Population?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Social Security Coverage: Over 64% of India's population benefits from social security schemes.
- Poverty Alleviation: Nearly 250 million individuals have been lifted from multidimensional poverty.
- Job Creation: More than 170 million jobs created between 2017-2023.
- Women's Empowerment: Women's workforce participation has nearly doubled.
- Digital Transformation: The JAM Trinity enhances welfare delivery and transparency.
New Delhi, Nov 6 (NationPress) Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, on Thursday, showcased India's remarkable progress in poverty alleviation and social protection during a high-level round table and plenary session in Doha.
At a side event organized by NITI Aayog on 'Pathways Out of Poverty: India's Experience in Empowering the Last Mile', the Union Minister highlighted India's success in lifting nearly 250 million individuals out of multidimensional poverty and extending social security coverage to over 64 percent of its population.
He emphasized that women and children are at the heart of India's development strategy, with more than 118 million schoolchildren benefiting from mid-day meals and countless women mobilized into self-help groups, driving grassroots entrepreneurship.
Mandaviya pointed out that India's digital transformation through the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) has revolutionized welfare delivery, promoting transparency and inclusivity.
Over 14 million youth have received training under the Skill India Mission, and the new Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana aims to generate an additional 35 million formal jobs.
Additionally, Minister Mandaviya participated in the Spotlight Session of the Global Coalition for Social Justice by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
He reaffirmed India's dedication to promoting social justice and responsible business practices.
The Union Minister noted that India has created over 170 million jobs from 2017 to 2023, with the unemployment rate decreasing from 6 percent to 3.2 percent, and women's workforce participation nearly doubling.
During his address, Mandaviya praised the ILO and the Global Coalition for facilitating a global discussion on social justice.
India hosted the inaugural Regional Dialogue on Social Justice in February 2025, where more than 21 organizations, including the largest employers' federation and workers' union in India, committed to support the Coalition.
He pointed out India's strong social security framework, with the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) serving over 78 million members and the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) providing health and social protection for 158 million insured individuals and their dependents.
Furthermore, the e-Shram platform, which covers over 310 million unorganized workers, facilitates seamless access to social protection and enhances policymaking.
Minister Mandaviya conducted bilateral discussions with important global counterparts from Romania, Russia, Qatar, the EU, and the ILO to bolster cooperation in labor, skills, and social protection.
In his meeting with ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo, the Minister reaffirmed India's robust partnership with the ILO and acknowledged its contributions to advancing a development-oriented global labor agenda.
The discussions included opportunities for deeper collaboration in social protection, skills, and labor mobility, and they welcomed the recent MoU concerning a feasibility study for an international classification of occupations.