India’s social security coverage soars from 19 % to 64.3 %, benefiting over 94 crore people in last 10 years –

India has achieved a remarkable milestone in social security, expanding coverage from 19 percent in 2015 to 64.3 percent in 2025, bringing over 94 crore people under at least one social protection benefit.
 
This unprecedented increase over a decade has been acknowledged by the International Labour Organization (ILO) on its ILOSTAT database. Social security, as defined by the ILO, ensures access to healthcare and income security during times of old age, sickness, unemployment, disability, maternity, work injury, or loss of a breadwinner. India’s comprehensive system includes social insurance, welfare payments, and in-kind benefits like food and shelter security.
 
Labour and Employment Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has witnessed a historic surge in social protection coverage. In a social media post, Dr Mandaviya expressed gratitude to DG, International Labour Organisation, Gilbert Houngbo, for acknowledging and appreciating India’s transformative journey in building a robust and inclusive social security net. Mr Houngbo has said that India’s social security coverage has increased from nearly 25 per cent in 2019 to 64 per cent in 2025.