Social Security Coverage in India
Nearly two out of three people in India, approximately 950 million individuals, are now covered under at least one social security benefit, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Increase in Coverage
- The coverage has risen to 64.3% in 2025 from 19% a decade ago.
- This growth is seen as a significant step towards welfare-driven development in India.
Social Security Schemes
The ILO assessment included data from 32 central and state schemes:
- 24 pension-related schemes
- 2 maternity benefit schemes
- 2 child benefit schemes
Examples include Atal Pension Yojana, Kisan Samman Nidhi, MGNREGA, Janani Suraksha Yojana, and PM POSHAN.
Criteria for Social Security Net
- The scheme must be legislatively backed.
- It should provide cash benefits.
- Must be active with a verified data series for the last three years.
Global Implications
- Enhanced social protection can strengthen India’s global engagements, particularly in finalising social security agreements (SSAs) with developed nations.
- It will support trade and labour mobility negotiations, promoting a credible social protection regime.
- SSAs will ensure portability of benefits for Indian workers overseas, fostering transparency for mutual recognition.
Data Pooling Exercise
- Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya discussed this exercise with ILO Director General in Geneva.
- The Centre has initiated sharing of beneficiary data from major states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
- Phase I focused on central sector and women-centric schemes, covering 8 states.
- Phase II aims for further consolidation, targeting the one billion coverage mark upon verification by the ILO.
