Remarkable rise in India’s social security coverage: ILO chief

Sub : Schemes

Sec: Vulnerable and marginalised section

Context:

The World Social Protection Report 2024-26, released by the International Labour Organization (ILO), highlights significant progress in India’s social protection coverage.
The report was cited by ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo during the Regional Dialogue on Social Justice, organized by the Union Labour Ministry and the Global Coalition for Social Justice.

Increase in Social Protection Coverage:

The proportion of India’s population covered under at least one branch of social protection has increased from 24% (2021) to 49% (2024).
This marks a near doubling in a short period, showcasing the government’s efforts to expand social security schemes.

Government Initiatives & Digital Platforms:

Schemes like e-Shram, which registers unorganized sector workers, have helped expand employment opportunities and social security coverage.
Various social protection programs, including health insurance and pension schemes, have also contributed to this growth.
The government aims for an inclusive economic transformation under the vision of “Sabka Vikas” (Development for All).

Challenges for Social Protection in India:

Despite progress, over 50% of India’s population still lacks adequate social protection.
The informal workforce remains a major challenge in ensuring universal social security coverage.
India allocates just 5% of its GDP to social protection (excluding healthcare), which is significantly lower than the global average of 13%. This limited funding hampers the reach and effectiveness of social welfare programs.
Social protection programs in India are often fragmented, with multiple schemes running at different levels (national, state, local) and for various populations, leading to inefficiencies and gaps in coverage.