India has achieved one of the fastest expansions in social protection coverage globally, with the share of its population covered by at least one welfare scheme rising to 64.3% in 2025, up from 19% in 2015, according to the latest data from the International Labour Organization (ILO).
In a post on X, Union Labour & Employment Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya shared: “Efforts of Modi Government recognised by ILO! Social Protection Coverage surges from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025. In terms of beneficiary count, India now ranks second in the world, providing social protection coverage to more than 94 crore citizens.”
Responding to Dr Mandaviya’s post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “This is a commendable rise, indicating our commitment towards welfare-driven development and ensuring our various pro-people schemes reach the maximum number of people.”
Dr Mandaviya is currently leading the Indian delegation at the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC), being held from 10 to 12 June. Speaking in Geneva, he attributed the rise in social protection coverage to a series of labour welfare and pro-poor initiatives implemented by the Modi government over the past eleven years.
“This marks a crucial step towards achieving the goal of Antyodaya—empowering the last mile,” the labour minister said, adding that the growth reflects India’s commitment to a rights-based, inclusive welfare system.
According to the ILO, India’s current coverage figure stems from Phase I of a Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise, carried out by the government in collaboration with the ILO. The first phase focused on central sector and women-centric schemes in eight states. With further data integration expected in Phase II, officials estimate that social protection coverage could surpass the 100-crore mark.
The ILO’s criteria for counting coverage include schemes that are legislatively backed, cash-based, currently active, and supported by at least three years of verified data.
Notably, India is also the first country globally to update its 2025 social protection statistics in the ILOSTAT dashboard, positioning itself as a leader in digital governance and welfare data transparency.
On the sidelines of the conference, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo praised India’s focused policy approach and lauded the efforts made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to strengthen the country’s welfare infrastructure.