India Doubles Social Protection Coverage; Reaches Nearly 50% Of Population

India has made significant strides in expanding social protection coverage, with nearly half of its population now benefiting from at least one form of social protection.

According to International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert Houngbo, this figure has surged from 24% to 49% in just a few years.

Speaking at the ‘Regional Dialogue on Social Justice’ in New Delhi on Monday, Houngbo praised the country’s rapid progress and credited it to strong collaboration with the ILO and decisive government action.

A Model For The World

Houngbo called India’s achievement ‘remarkable’, noting that the increase in coverage – from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024, according to the ILO’s World Social Protection Report 2024-26 was a model for other nations to follow.

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“India’s efforts not only benefit its own citizens but also inspire other nations to improve their social protection systems,” he said, highlighting the broader global impact of India’s progress.

Indian Government’s Efforts In Expanding Social Security

At the event, India’s Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized the government’s reforms aimed at improving job quality, enhancing labor market flexibility, and expanding social security coverage over the past decade.

He specifically pointed to the success of the e-Shram portal, which has registered over 300 million unorganized workers, showcasing India’s commitment to strengthening the delivery of social benefits.

Mandaviya also launched the e-Shram mobile app, which aims to further improve accessibility and convenience for workers across the country.

A Commitment To Inclusive Growth

Mandaviya stressed that India’s journey toward social justice is grounded in its focus on inclusive growth and equitable development.

“The employability of Indian graduates has risen from 33.95% in 2013 to 54.81% in 2024,” he added, reflecting the country’s increasing emphasis on skill development.

As 65% of India’s population is under the age of 35, skill development remains a national priority, with the government aiming to enhance the employability of its young workforce.

India’s remarkable progress in social protection and labour reforms highlights its commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society, setting an example for the rest of the world.