India ranks 2nd globally in social security coverage

Achieving a Historic 45-Percentage Point Jump in Inclusivity, India's Benefits Now Extend to Over 94 Crore Citizens and Strengthen Its Global Standing

Geneva: In a landmark achievement, India has boosted its social security coverage dramatically over the last decade from 19% of the population in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025. This rapid expansion now covers more than 94 crore people, earning India the distinction of being ranked second in the world on the International Labour Organisation (ILO) dashboard.

The ILO has applauded India’s focused welfare measures, highlighting schemes that benefit the poor and labour class. During discussions held at the International Labour Conference in Geneva, India’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, attributed this remarkable progress to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and 11 years of persistent policy implementation. The growth reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to the principle of “Antyodaya” ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations leave no one behind.

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India’s achievement is further underscored by strict ILO criteria: each social protection scheme must be legislatively backed, provide cash benefits, and maintain active, verified data for the past three years. The current figures represent Phase I of a broader Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise, focusing on central sector initiatives and women-centric schemes in eight states. With further phases and additional schemes under review, experts predict that India’s overall coverage could soon exceed 100 crore beneficiaries.

This significant policy success not only fortifies the nation’s internal welfare framework but also elevates India’s position on the global stage. Enhanced social security coverage is expected to support ongoing negotiations for Social Security Agreements (SSAs) with several developed nations. These agreements will allow for the portability of social protection benefits for Indian professionals working abroad, while also providing international partners with assurances of a robust and transparent welfare regime.

Minister Mandaviya leads the Indian delegation at the 113th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva from June 10 to 12, 2025. His discussions with ILO Director General Gilbert F. Houngbo have reinforced India’s commitment to digital governance and transparent welfare systems, as evidenced by the timely update of its 2025 social security data in the ILOSTAT database.

India’s pioneering efforts in expanding social security stand as a compelling example of how determined policy implementation can improve lives on a massive scale. As the nation moves to further consolidate and expand these efforts, it not only cements a legacy of inclusive growth at home but also sets a benchmark for social protection worldwide.