Global Recognition
- ISSA Award 2025: India received the prestigious ISSA Award 2025 for 'Outstanding Achievement in Social Security' at the World Social Security Forum in Kuala Lumpur.
- Recognition: The award recognizes India's remarkable progress in expanding social protection coverage.
- Global Standing: India is now recognized as a leader in social protection, inspiring policymakers and youth worldwide, and holds the largest voting share (30 votes) in the ISSA General Assembly.
Expansion of Social Security Coverage
- Massive Growth: Social security coverage has seen a massive increase from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025.
- Beneficiaries: This expanded coverage includes over 940 million people.
- Inclusion: The schemes cover workers in both formal and informal sectors.
- Key Driver: The expansion is primarily driven by government schemes targeting vulnerable and unorganized workers.
Role of Digital Infrastructure
- e-Shram Portal: The e-Shram portal plays a crucial role by connecting over 310 million unorganized workers to various welfare schemes.
- National Career Service (NCS): The NCS platform is active in linking skilled job seekers with employers and is integrated with e-Shram for comprehensive support.
Contributions and Reforms
- Social Security Organizations: Organizations like EPFO and ESIC are providing essential services, including healthcare, insurance, and pension schemes to millions of workers. They have adapted to changing labor markets and technology to improve service delivery.
- Policy Focus: Key reforms focus on:
- Financial inclusion
- Skill development
- Self-employment support
- Innovation
- Future Outlook: The overall aim is to create a robust social safety net and generate new income opportunities across the country.