New Delhi, June 12, 2025 — In a landmark development, India’s social protection coverage has surged from just 19% in 2015 to an impressive 64.3% in 2025, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). This remarkable 45 percentage‑point rise marks the fastest expansion of social security coverage anywhere in the world .
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, government welfare initiatives have dramatically extended support. The coverage now includes over 94 crore (940 million) citizens, positioning India as the second-largest provider of social protection benefits globally.
The announcement was made by Union Labour Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, who highlighted ongoing collaboration with the ILO to pool and verify data from central and women-centric schemes across eight states—a first phase in a broader national data initiative.
Dr. Mandaviya, speaking from Geneva during the ILO’s 113th International Labour Conference, called the achievement “a testament to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the relentless efforts of the Government in building an inclusive and rights‑based social protection ecosystem”.
India also stands out as the first country to report its 2025 social protection figures in the ILOSTAT database, underscoring its commitment to transparency and digital governance.
As Phase II of the data exercise unfolds, estimates suggest India may soon exceed protection for 100 crore citizens. This expanded coverage is expected to strengthen India’s push for bilateral social security agreements with developed nations, ensuring benefit portability for migrant workers.
Report@https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2135592
