India’s social security coverage has increased from 19 per cent in 2015 to 64.3 per cent (Over 94 crore) in 2025 as per the latest data from the International Labour Organisation’s ILOSTAT with a 45 percentage point surge over the past decade.
What is Social Security/Protection?
- Definition: Social security is the protection that a society provides to individuals and households to ensure access to health care and to guarantee income security, particularly in cases of old age, unemployment, sickness, invalidity, maternity, etc.
- The three pillars of social protection are social assistance, social insurance and labor market programs to help self-reliance and independence.
Initiatives taken for social protection
- Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-SYM) (Old Age Protection) (18-40 years): 50% monthly contribution by the beneficiary and equal contribution by the Central Government.
- Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana (PMJJBY) (18 to 50 years): Rs.2 lakh on death due to any cause.
- Atal Pension Yojana: (18-40 years): Can attain a pension of 1000-5000 rupees.
- Other: Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) (18 to 70 years), Public Distribution system, Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin, etc.
