In a landmark achievement, India’s social security coverage has surged from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, now encompassing over 94.3 crore citizens under at least one social protection scheme. The data, published by the International Labour Organization (ILO), places India second globally—just behind China—in terms of total beneficiaries.
📈 A Decade of Inclusive Growth: Key Highlights
- Coverage Jump: From 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025
- Total Beneficiaries: Over 94.3 crore people
- Global Rank: 2nd in social protection coverage, after China
- Schemes Tracked: 34 major central schemes including MGNREGA, EPFO, ESIC, APY, PM-POSHAN
This 45-percentage point leap is among the fastest expansions in global social protection history, according to the ILOSTAT database.
🏦 Digital Infrastructure Driving Welfare Access
The Ministry of Labour and Employment, in collaboration with the ILO, has implemented a national social protection data pooling exercise using:
- Encrypted Aadhaar IDs as unique identifiers
- Jan Dhan accounts (55.64 crore holders) for direct benefit transfers
- DBT system that has saved ₹3.48 lakh crore by reducing leakages and delays
As of June 27, 2025, over 142 crore Aadhaar cards have been issued, enabling seamless authentication and benefit delivery.
🛡️ Major Schemes Fueling the Surge
| Scheme Name | Enrolment Figures (2025) |
|---|---|
| PM Suraksha Bima Yojana | 51.06 crore |
| PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana | 23.64 crore |
| PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana | 51.35 lakh |
| Lakhpati Didi Women Empowerment | 3 crore+ beneficiaries |
| PM Awas Yojana (Housing) | 4 crore+ homes allotted |
These schemes span insurance, pensions, nutrition, housing, and employment, forming a robust safety net for India’s vulnerable populations.
🌍 Social Security as a Human Right
The ILO defines social security as a basic human right, ensuring access to healthcare and income security during old age, illness, disability, maternity, or unemployment. India’s model combines:
- Social insurance (contributory)
- Social assistance (non-contributory)
- In-kind benefits like food, shelter, and education
“This is a testament to India’s commitment to inclusive growth and digital-first governance,” said a senior Labour Ministry official.
Stay tuned for updates on Phase II of India’s social protection data integration.
