Social Security Coverage: India’s Remarkable Leap

India’s recent recognition by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) as the second-ranked country in the world for social security coverage marks a historic achievement. The ILO report highlights an unprecedented 45 percentage point surge in India’s social protection coverage over the past decade, rising from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025. This expansion now ensures that 94 crore Indians—nearly two-thirds of the population—are covered under at least one social protection benefit. Such progress underscores India’s commitment to inclusive growth and aligns with the global vision of universal social protection as a cornerstone for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

The ILO’s acknowledgement reflects the success of India’s legislatively backed, pro-poor welfare schemes under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and the Direct Benefit Transfer system have played pivotal roles in extending financial and health security to marginalised communities. The ILO’s stringent criteria—requiring schemes to be cash-based, active, and backed by verified data—further validate the robustness of India’s social protection framework. Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya’s emphasis on “Antyodaya” (empowering the last mile) during his discussions with the ILO Director General Gilbert F. Houngbo exemplifies India’s resolve to leave no one behind.

This achievement is particularly significant in the context of global efforts to promote social justice. Universal social protection is not just a policy tool but a human right, essential for reducing inequality and fostering sustainable development. India’s rapid expansion of coverage demonstrates how targeted policies can transform lives, especially for the labour class and vulnerable groups. The ongoing Phase II of the Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise, which includes verification of additional schemes, is expected to push India’s coverage beyond the 100-crore mark, setting a global benchmark.

However, challenges remain. Ensuring the sustainability of these schemes, improving delivery mechanisms, and addressing regional disparities will be critical as India moves toward universal coverage. The ILO’s recognition should serve as both a validation and a catalyst for further innovation in social security. By continuing to prioritize inclusivity and transparency, India can not only consolidate its gains but also inspire other nations to accelerate their own social protection agendas.

In a world grappling with economic uncertainties and widening inequalities, India’s progress offers a blueprint for leveraging social security as a tool for equitable growth. As the country strides toward the 100-crore coverage milestone, its journey reaffirms the transformative power of visionary leadership and people-centric policies. The ILO’s ranking is not just a badge of honor but a call to action—to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their socio-economic status, enjoys the safety net they deserve.