India’s social protection coverage doubles to49%: ILO chief

The percentage of Indians receiving at least one social protection benefit—other than health—rose from 24 percent in 2021 to 49 percent in 2024, according to the ILO’s World Social Protection Report 2024–2026.

Social protection provides benefits both to those who are generally poor and socially excluded and to those who are exposed to risks throughout their lives (unemployment, disability, etc).

Social Protection and Inclusive Community: ensuring safety for women, children, old age people and divyang.

Addressing climate change - Can also address social exclusion, poverty and inequality.

Other: transition to green jobs, sustainable economies, etc

Challenges regarding Social Protection in India

• Social protection coverage: Lack of comprehensive protection for informal workers.
• Only 26 per cent of women in India are covered by at least one social protection measure, compared to 39 per cent of men.
• Financing gaps: India spends only 5% of GDP on social protection (excluding health), compared to 13% on average globally
• Automation: AI could displace about 12 million jobs in India by 2030 (McKinsey)

Ways to improvise can be strengthening social protection by expanding unemployment insurance and pension schemes to cover its informal workforce. Gender mainstreaming by extended maternity benefits and access to pension schemes Improving data collection, monitoring to reach more beneficiaries - Reskilling in age of AI.