How Did India's Social Security Coverage Surge from 19% to 64.3% in Just 10 Years?
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Synopsis
Discover how India's social security coverage has dramatically increased from 19% to 64.3% in just a decade. This growth means millions more are protected under social benefits, showcasing India's commitment to welfare and financial inclusion.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security Coverage: Increased from 19% to 64.3% in 10 years.
- Beneficiaries: India ranks second globally in social protection.
- Data Pooling: Collaboration with ILO for comprehensive coverage data.
- Aadhaar Program: Unique identifier for beneficiaries across major schemes.
- DBT System: Streamlined payments resulting in significant savings.
New Delhi, June 28 (NationPress) India has witnessed a remarkable increase in social security coverage, soaring from 19 percent in 2015 to an impressive 64.3 percent in 2025. This translates to 64.3 percent of the Indian populace, totaling 94.3 crore people, now receiving at least one form of social protection benefit.
This extraordinary growth has also been recognized by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) within its ILOSTAT database. This substantial 45-percentage point rise over a decade stands out as one of the most significant expansions on a global scale.
In terms of beneficiaries, India ranks second globally, following China, in providing social protection to its citizens.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment is collaborating with the ILO on a national social protection data pooling initiative to create a comprehensive overview of social protection coverage in India.
This project employs encrypted Aadhaar as a unique identifier across 34 major Central schemes such as MGNREGA, EPFO, ESIC, APY, and PM-POSHAN for accurate beneficiary identification.
Financial inclusion is central to India's social security initiative. As of June 18, 2025, over 55.64 crore individuals possess Jan Dhan accounts, facilitating direct access to government benefits and formal banking services.
The Aadhaar program has established a unique digital identity system, with over 142 crore Aadhaar cards issued by June 27, 2025. This system ensures the right benefits reach the right individuals promptly.
The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system has optimized welfare payments, minimizing leakages and delays, leading to cumulative savings of Rs 3.48 lakh crore as of March 2023, showcasing its efficiency.
More than 51.06 crore people are enrolled in PM Suraksha Bima Yojna, and 23.64 crore in PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojna.
Additionally, over 51.35 lakh workers are part of PM Shram Yogi Mandhan Yojna, with more than 3 crore women empowered as Lakhpati Didis. Furthermore, over 4 crore houses have been allocated under PM Awas Yojna to uplift the underprivileged, according to official data.
As stated by the ILO, social security encompasses the protection provided to individuals and families, ensuring access to healthcare and income security, particularly during old age, illness, unemployment, disability, maternity, work-related injuries, or loss of a breadwinner. Recognized in ILO conventions and UN instruments, social security is acknowledged as a fundamental human right.
India’s extensive social security framework comprises both social insurance and social assistance schemes at national and state levels. These include welfare payments, mandatory social insurance with employer and employee contributions, and other employer-based benefits. Moreover, various schemes provide in-kind benefits like food, healthcare, shelter, and security.
Phase I of this data pooling initiative commenced on March 19, 2025, covering ten states: Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Gujarat.
This data pooling exercise is expected to enhance India's global standing as a leader in social protection and assist the Central government, states, and UTs in optimizing welfare spending, progressing towards sustainable financing of social protection, and helping states identify unique beneficiaries under state-specific social protection schemes.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize India's tremendous strides in expanding social security. This growth reflects the government's commitment to improving the lives of millions, ensuring that more citizens have access to essential services and benefits. The collaborative efforts with the ILO and the innovative use of technology are paving the way for a stronger, more inclusive social safety net.
NationPress
28/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current social security coverage in India?
As of 2025, India's social security coverage has risen to 64.3%, covering approximately 94.3 crore people.
How does India rank globally in social protection?
India ranks second in the world after China in terms of social protection beneficiaries.
What initiatives are being used to identify beneficiaries?
The Aadhaar program is being utilized as a unique identifier for beneficiaries across multiple Central schemes.
What are the savings achieved through the DBT system?
The Direct Benefit Transfer system has led to cumulative savings of Rs 3.48 lakh crore as of March 2023.
What role does the ILO play in India's social security expansion?
The ILO collaborates with India's government to enhance social protection data and assess coverage effectively.
