Guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of achieving ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, India has achieved a historic milestone in the realm of social protection coverage, recording one of the most significant expansions globally.

According to the latest data from the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) ILOSTAT database, India’s social security coverage has increased from 19 per cent in 2015 to 64.4 per cent in 2025, i.e., 94 crore people are covered under social security, an unprecedented surge over the past decade.

India ranks second globally in social protection coverage

India now ranks second in the world in terms of beneficiary count, providing social protection to around 94 crore citizens.

The Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Gilbert F. Houngbo, has praised India’s welfare policies under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on the poor and the labor class.

India set to lead in social security

India is all set to become the number one country in providing social security to its citizens by 2026.

With a strong focus on welfare policies, India aims to further enhance its social security framework. Currently, China provides social security to 107 crore people. India is rapidly progressing towards achieving its goal. 

ILO’s criteria for scheme consideration

Recognising these efforts, the ILO acknowledged India’s achievement and officially published on its dashboard that over 94 crore people are now covered under at least one social protection benefit.

In 2015, this figure was just 19 per cent. ILO’s Criteria for Scheme Consideration for each country include that the scheme should be legislatively backed, in cash, and be active, and verified time series data of the last three years has to be provided.

India is also the first country globally to update its 2025 social protection coverage data in the ILOSTAT database, reinforcing its leadership in digital governance and transparency in welfare systems.