Source: PIB
Context:
According to the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) World Social Protection Report 2024–26, India’s social protection coverage has increased from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024, marking a significant expansion in welfare reach. The report credits key government initiatives for extending benefits such as health insurance, pensions, employment support, and food security to millions of citizens.
As per the Ministry of Labour and Employment, nearly 920 million people (65% of the population) are now covered by at least one form of social protection through central government schemes. India’s progress has also contributed to a 5-percentage point rise in global social protection coverage, highlighting its international significance.
Overview of the ILO Report
- The World Social Protection Report is published periodically by the ILO, a UN agency focused on labour rights and social justice.
- The 2024–26 edition emphasizes universal social protection for climate action and a just transition.
- For the first time, it incorporates trend data and offers regional companion reports, including Asia-Pacific, detailing unique socio-economic and environmental conditions.
Key Government Initiatives Expanding Social Security
1. Ayushman Bharat (AB-PMJAY)
- As of March 26, 2025: 39.94 crore Ayushman Cards issued.
- Offers health coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family.
- Accessible at 24,810 empanelled hospitals nationwide.
2. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)
- Provides free food grains to vulnerable populations.
- As of December 2024: 80.67 crore beneficiaries, close to the intended 81.35 crore.
3. eShram Portal
- Launched August 26, 2021 to create National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW).
- Offers Universal Account Number (UAN) for social security access.
- As of March 3, 2025: 30.68 crore unorganised workers registered, 53.68% women.
4. Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
- Launched May 9, 2015, targeting unorganised sector workers.
- Along with PMJJBY and PMSBY, strengthens social security.
- As of December 31, 2024: 7.25 crore enrolled with total corpus ₹43,369.98 crore.
5. Poverty Reduction Impact
- Over the past decade, 24.8 crore people have escaped multi-dimensional poverty due to social security measures.
Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise
- Launched March 19, 2025 by the Ministry of Labour & Employment.
- Aims to consolidate data across major central schemes to provide a holistic assessment of welfare coverage.
- Phase 1: Ten states targeted, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Gujarat.
- Over 200 crore records processed using encrypted Aadhaar IDs across schemes like MGNREGA, EPFO, ESIC, APY, PM POSHAN.
- Collaboration with ILO ensures that housing, food security, and other in-kind benefits are incorporated in future evaluations.
Quick Takeaways
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Social protection coverage 2021 | 24.4% |
| Social protection coverage 2024 | 48.8% |
| People covered (2024) | 920 million (65% of population) |
| Key schemes | Ayushman Bharat, PMGKAY, eShram, APY, PMJJBY, PMSBY |
| Impact on poverty | 24.8 crore people escaped multi-dimensional poverty |
| Data pooling initiative | Phase 1 covering 10 states; 200 crore records processed |
| Global contribution | +5 percentage points in worldwide social protection coverage |
