In a landmark achievement in public welfare, India has extended social security coverage to over 940 million citizens (64.3% of its population) — a monumental leap from just 19% in 2015. This expansion represents one of the most significant social governance transformations globally, redefining the role of the Indian state in inclusive development.
Landmark Coverage Growth (2015–2025)
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Social security coverage increased from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025.
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Between 2021 and 2024, coverage nearly doubled from 24.4% to 48.8%.
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The current achievement ranks India among the top countries in ILO’s global social protection index.
Key Drivers of the Expansion
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Labour Code Reforms: The codification of 29 laws into four Labour Codes enabled streamlined wage systems, portability of benefits, and broader access to entitlements.
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National Welfare Schemes:
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Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY: Health insurance reaching over 399 million low-income beneficiaries.
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PMGKAY (Free Ration Scheme): Food security for more than 800 million people during and post-pandemic.
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e-Shram Portal: Registration of 306 million unorganised workers to facilitate benefit delivery.
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Atal Pension Yojana: Over 72.5 million enrollments securing post-retirement incomes.
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Remaining Gaps and Future Challenges
Despite notable gains, challenges persist:
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Unorganised Workforce: Millions still remain uncovered due to mobility, lack of documentation, or awareness.
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Fiscal Constraints: India’s social protection spending hovers around 5% of GDP, significantly lower than the global average of 13%.
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Administrative Fragmentation: A need for convergence across schemes to prevent exclusion and duplication.
Innovations and Governance Improvements
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Gig and Platform Economy Inclusion:
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Karnataka’s model of levying a 1–5% welfare cess on aggregators is being studied for replication.
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The Code on Social Security (2020) formally brings gig and unorganised workers under social security protections.
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Digital Infrastructure:
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Enhanced integration of e-Shram, Aadhaar, and DBT platforms enables more efficient targeting and monitoring.
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Microsites, mobile apps, and grievance redress systems are helping bridge the digital divide.
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Spotlight: Odisha’s Holistic Welfare Model
Odisha’s government has pioneered integrated complexes for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, providing care, housing, and rehabilitation under a public-private-NGO model. These centres are financially supported by an annual grant of ₹2.1 crore and are viewed as replicable models for ageing states.
Strategic Vision: Toward Universal Social Protection
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The government aims to cross 60% comprehensive coverage by September 2025, with long-term goals of near-universal access.
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India’s programs align with UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically those related to poverty reduction, decent work, and reduced inequalities.
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Plans are underway to integrate ESIC hospitals with primary health centres and PMJAY to improve healthcare convergence.
Expert Perspective
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated:
“Social security remains a fundamental pillar of social justice… Coverage increased from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024.”
Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization, hailed India’s model as a benchmark for developing economies.
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