Social Protection Coverage in India Reaches More Than 64% by 2025: ILO

India currently holds the second position globally in social security coverage, safeguarding over 94 crore of its population.

Almost two-thirds of the population in India now have access to at least one social security benefit — approximately 950 million individuals.

India is the first nation worldwide to refresh its 2025 social protection coverage information in the ILOSTAT database, highlighting its leadership in digital governance and openness in welfare systems.

These comprise initiatives such as Atal Pension Yojana, Kisan Samman Nidhi, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Janani Suraksha Yojana, and PM POSHAN, among others.

What is Social Security?

Social security denotes the safeguarding offered by society to individuals and families to ensure healthcare access and secure income during circumstances like aging, joblessness, illness, maternity, and disability.

Major Initiatives in India for Social Security

Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-SYM): Aims to offer social security and old age protection to workers in the unorganized sector (such as street vendors, rickshaw drivers, construction laborers, and domestic workers).

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana (PMJJBY): To offer cost-effective life insurance protection.

Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Aiming to offer a secure pension for workers in the informal sector.

Ayushman Bharat (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana – PMJAY): Aimed at offering health insurance protection to the most disadvantaged and at-risk groups in society.

Public Distribution System (PDS) / National Food Security Act (NFSA): To guarantee food and nutritional security through the distribution of subsidized food grains.

Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G): Aims to achieve “Housing for All” by providing a pucca house with essential facilities to all families without homes and those residing in kutcha and run-down houses in rural locations.