New Delhi: India has registered a historic leap in social protection coverage, rising from 19 percent in 2015 to 64.3 percent in 2025, according to the latest figures published by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The increase of over 45 percentage points in just a decade marks the sharpest expansion in coverage seen anywhere in the world.
The data, officially updated on the ILOSTAT dashboard, shows that more than 94 crore Indians are now covered under at least one legislatively backed and active social protection scheme. With this, India has emerged as the second-highest contributor to global social protection by absolute numbers.
Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, during a bilateral meeting with ILO Director General Gilbert F Houngbo in Geneva on the sidelines of the 113th International Labour Conference, highlighted key welfare and labour-centric policies rolled out over the past 11 years. He also shared details of the Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise conducted by the Government in collaboration with the ILO, which contributed to the updated dashboard data.
Speaking from Geneva, Mandaviya said, “This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri 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 data reflects Phase I of the pooling exercise, which covers beneficiaries from Central sector and women-centric schemes across eight states. With Phase II underway, the total coverage is expected to cross the 100-crore mark once additional schemes are validated by the ILO.
India is also the first country to update its 2025 social protection coverage figures in the ILO database, highlighting advances in digital welfare governance. ILO’s methodology for recognition requires schemes to be legislatively mandated, active, cash-based, and supported by verified time-series data.
The rise in coverage is also expected to support India’s efforts in finalising Social Security Agreements with developed countries. These agreements aim to ensure portability of benefits for Indian professionals abroad and provide mutual trust for partner nations in recognising India’s welfare systems.
BI Bureau
