India now ranks second in the world in social security coverage, providing protection to more than 94 crore of its citizens, the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) ILOSTAT database has revealed.

The significant jump was achieved since India’s social security coverage has increased to 64.3 per cent this year from 19 per cent in 2015, an unprecedented 45 percentage point surge over the past decade.

“Recognising these efforts, the ILO acknowledged India’s achievement and officially published on its dashboard that 64.3 per cent of India’s population, i.e. over 94 crore people, are now covered under at least one social protection benefit,” the Ministry of Labour and Employment said in a statement on Wednesday.

During a bilateral discussion on the sidelines of the International Labour Conference in Geneva with Director General of the ILO, Gilbert F Houngbo, Union Minister of Labour & Employment Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the pro-poor and labour welfare schemes of the Modi Government over the past 11 years.

The Union Minister also apprised DG ILO about the national-level Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise that has been carried out by the government in collaboration with the ILO, the Ministry statement stated.

The DG, ILO, as per the statement, praised India’s focused welfare policies for the poor and labour class under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

ILO’s criteria for scheme consideration for each country require the scheme should be legislatively backed, in cash and be active, and verified time series data of last three years has to be provided.

Reacting to the development, Mandaviya said, “This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the relentless efforts of the government in building an inclusive and rights-based social protection ecosystem.”

Empowering the last mile

“The increase marks the fastest expansion in social protection coverage worldwide, reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to “Antyodaya” i.e., empowering the last mile and fulfilling the promise of leaving no one behind,” the Minister stated.

The present figure, pointed out the Ministry, reflects only Phase I of the data pooling exercise which focused on beneficiary data of Central sector schemes and women-centric schemes in 8 selected States.

With Phase II and further consolidation underway, it is expected that India’s total social protection coverage will soon surpass the 100-crore mark upon verification of additional schemes by the ILO, the statement observed.

India is also the first country globally to update its 2025 social protection coverage data in the ILOSTAT database, reinforcing its leadership in digital governance and transparency in welfare systems.

Moreover, the increase in social protection coverage will further strengthen India’s global engagements, particularly in finalising social security agreements (SSAs) with developed nations.

These agreements will ensure the portability of social protection benefits for Indian professionals working overseas, while offering partner countries the transparency required for mutual recognition frameworks. This will further bolster India’s position in trade and labour mobility negotiations by showcasing a credible and robust social protection regime.

Published on June 11, 2025