ILO Social Protection India

In a major advancement for welfare and social safety, the ILO social protection India statistics for 2025 reveal a sharp rise in coverage, from just 19% in 2015 to an impressive 64.3% in 2025.

This marks one of the world’s fastest-growing expansions in social protection, positioning India as the second-largest globally in terms of the number of beneficiaries, now reaching over 940 million citizens.

This development, recognized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), reflects the Indian government's growing investment in social safety nets, especially under schemes for the poor, labourers, and women-centric welfare programs.

According to the ILOSTAT India data 2025, this increase is a remarkable achievement in the domain of social protection globally.

Key Highlights from ILO Social Protection India Data

• Coverage: 64.3% of India’s population now under at least one social protection benefit

• Beneficiaries: Approx. 940 million people

• Global Rank: India ranks second globally in total social protection coverage

• Source: Official ILOSTAT India data 2025

• Growth: 45% increase in social coverage over a decade (2015–2025)

What is Social Protection?

• ILO social protection India defines social protection as programs aimed at providing economic security through schemes like pensions, maternity benefits, health insurance, and employment guarantees.

• These social security schemes in India play a critical role in reducing poverty and improving the standard of living.

Government Social Protection Initiatives

India's rise in global rankings is largely due to targeted welfare schemes such as:

• PM-KISAN

• Ayushman Bharat (health insurance for the poor)

• e-Shram (for unorganized workers)

• MGNREGA (employment guarantee scheme)

• PM Matru Vandana Yojana (women-centric benefit)

These Indian social protection programs are officially validated in the ILO social protection India dataset.

India’s Role in ILO: A Global Benchmark

• India is the first country in the world to update its 2025 social protection data in the ILOSTAT dashboard, marking a new era in labour welfare policies in India.

• The updated ILO social protection India data places India as a model nation in implementing inclusive welfare policies, especially for the underprivileged and marginalized sectors.

• DG ILO Gilbert F Houngbo has praised India’s policies for empowering the last mile and promoting a robust social safety net. India's structure is aligned with global best practices.

Phase I and What’s Next?

• The current 64.3% figure reflects Phase I of the government’s consolidated data collection, focusing on central sector schemes and data from eight states.

• With Phase II underway, the final count of beneficiaries under ILO social protection India is expected to cross the 100 crore mark.

This expansion is a crucial step toward fulfilling India’s commitment to providing broad-based social protection benefits India 2025.

Why is this important for SSC Aspirants?

If you're preparing for SSC or other competitive government exams, this topic intersects with:

• Indian Economy

• Government Schemes

• Labour & Employment Policies

• International Organizations

Keep these focus keywords in mind for your exams:

• ILO social protection India

• India ILO social protection expansion

• Government social protection initiatives

• Labour welfare policies in India

• ILOSTAT India data 2025

Static GK Tip

• ILO (International Labour Organization) was established in 1919.

• India is a founding member of the ILO.

• ILO headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland

Final Thoughts

The leap from 19% to 64.3% in just 10 years is a milestone achievement for India.

The ILO social protection India report officially confirms this progress, showcasing India's dedication to inclusive development, social justice, and economic empowerment.

As an SSC aspirant, understanding this development not only aids your current affairs preparation but also gives you insight into India’s evolving socio-economic structure and global standing in social welfare.