India has seen a massive expansion in social security coverage over the past decade, with the number of beneficiaries rising sharply to 64.3% of the population in 2025, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
This marks a steep increase from just 19% in 2015, placing India second globally in terms of total citizens receiving at least one form of social protection.
The figures were highlighted by Union Minister of Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, during a meeting with ILO Director General Gilbert F. Houngbo on the sidelines of the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva.
Mandaviya credited the jump in social protection to “pro-poor and labour welfare schemes” introduced by the Modi Government over the last 11 years. He also informed the ILO about a national Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise, conducted in collaboration with the organisation, which contributed to the updated figures.
The ILO acknowledged India's achievement and updated its official ILOSTAT dashboard to reflect the expanded coverage. As of now, over 94 crore Indians receive social protection benefits—an increase of 45 percentage points in just 10 years.
Speaking from Geneva, Mandaviya said, “This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the relentless efforts of the Government in building an inclusive and rights-based social protection ecosystem. The increase marks the fastest expansion in social protection coverage worldwide, reflecting the Government's unwavering commitment to ‘Antyodaya’, i.e. empowering the last mile and fulfilling the promise of leaving no one behind.”
The current numbers are based on Phase I of the data pooling initiative, which included data from central government schemes and women-centric initiatives across eight selected states. According to the Ministry, once Phase II is completed and more schemes are verified, India’s total coverage could exceed the 100-crore mark.
India is the first country to update its 2025 data in the ILOSTAT database, underlining its commitment to transparency and digital governance in welfare.
The rise in social protection coverage is also expected to strengthen India’s global partnerships, particularly through the establishment of Social Security Agreements (SSAs) with developed countries. These agreements will ensure that Indian professionals working abroad can access portable benefits, while also offering partner countries a transparent and trustworthy system.
Mandaviya is currently leading India’s delegation at the ILC from June 10 to 12, engaging with global stakeholders on issues of labour rights, social welfare, and international cooperation.