India expands social security coverage to 65% population

India's social security system is growing, according to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. A recent study by the Union Labour Ministry and the International Labour Organization (ILO) found that about 65% of the population, or 920 million people, are receiving at least one form of social protection. This includes cash benefits received by nearly 49% of people. Mandaviya shared these results during a news briefing on Tuesday. He noted that the coverage has increased significantly, from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024. This improvement is highlighted in the ILO's World Social Protection Report. However, Mandaviya believes this number may underestimate the true extent of coverage. He pointed out that it does not include in-kind benefits, like food and housing assistance, or state-run schemes. The Labour Ministry continues to engage with the ILO to enhance understanding of social protection in India. They are also working with state governments to gather better data. Local labour departments are helping to collect and verify state-specific information. Additionally, Mandaviya announced that the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation has extended its services in Uttar Pradesh. Fifteen new districts are now included in the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme, increasing coverage to 74 of the 75 districts in the state. This move is seen as a major advancement for worker protection in Uttar Pradesh.