Modi Government Announces Expansion in Social Protection Programs

Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” India has made remarkable strides in social protection coverage, achieving a historic milestone. Recent data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that the country’s social security coverage has surged from 19% in 2015 to an impressive 64.3% in 2025. This 45 percentage point increase over the past decade positions India among the leaders in global social protection expansion.
Significant Increase in Coverage
The latest statistics from the ILO’s ILOSTAT database highlight India’s substantial progress in social security. The coverage has risen dramatically, now encompassing over 94 crore citizens, which translates to 64.3% of the population. This figure marks a significant leap from just 19% in 2015. During a bilateral discussion with ILO Director General Gilbert F. Houngbo at the International Labour Conference, Union Minister of Labour and Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized the government’s commitment to pro-poor and labor welfare initiatives over the past 11 years. The ILO has officially recognized this achievement, underscoring India’s position as the second-largest provider of social protection globally.
Collaboration with the ILO
Dr. Mandaviya informed the ILO Director General about the national-level Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise, conducted in collaboration with the organization. This initiative aims to enhance the accuracy and comprehensiveness of social protection data in India. The ILO’s criteria for evaluating social protection schemes include legislative backing, active cash benefits, and verified data over the last three years. The recognition from the ILO reflects the effectiveness of India’s welfare policies, particularly under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, which focuses on uplifting the poor and labor class.
Future Prospects and Global Engagements
The current data represents only the first phase of the data pooling exercise, which concentrated on beneficiary data from central sector schemes and women-centric initiatives in eight selected states. As the second phase progresses, it is anticipated that India’s total social protection coverage will exceed 100 crore, pending verification of additional schemes by the ILO. Notably, India is the first country to update its social protection coverage data for 2025 in the ILOSTAT database, showcasing its commitment to digital governance and transparency in welfare systems.
This increase in social protection coverage is expected to enhance India’s global engagements, particularly in finalizing Social Security Agreements (SSAs) with developed nations. These agreements will facilitate the portability of social protection benefits for Indian professionals working abroad while providing partner countries with the necessary transparency for mutual recognition frameworks. This development will strengthen India’s position in trade and labor mobility negotiations, highlighting a robust social protection regime.
Participation in International Labour Conference
Dr. Mandaviya is currently leading an Indian delegation at the 113th session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, from June 10 to June 12, 2025. This participation underscores India’s commitment to advancing labor rights and social protection on a global scale. The government’s efforts in expanding social security coverage reflect a dedication to building an inclusive and rights-based ecosystem, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward national development.
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