India Honoured with ISSA Award for Expanding Social Security Coverage

At the World Social Security Forum (WSSF) 2025 held in Kuala Lumpur, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted India’s remarkable journey in expanding social security coverage. He stated that over the last decade, India’s coverage rose from 19 percent in 2015 to 64.3 percent in 2025, reaching over 940 million citizens — an achievement officially recognised by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

In recognition of this transformation, India was awarded the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Award 2025 for “Outstanding Achievement in Social Security.” The award was presented at the forum attended by more than 1,200 policymakers and professionals from 163 countries.

Digital Infrastructure & Schemes

• A major factor in this growth has been India’s emphasis on digital public infrastructure.
• e‑Shram portal: A national database connecting over 310 million unorganised sector workers with relevant social welfare schemes across multiple languages.
• National Career Service (NCS): Integrated with e‑Shram, this platform links skilled youth and employers, enabling access to global opportunities without loss of social security benefits.

Role of EPFO & ESIC

• He also highlighted the contributions of Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) in providing pension, healthcare, insurance, and other social security benefits to India’s workforce.

Forward Strategy

• The minister underlined that India’s approach to strengthening social security is holistic — combining policy reforms, process improvements, and digital innovation.
• He emphasized linking financial inclusion, skilling, self-employment, and social protection as interconnected pillars of growth.

Key Facts to Recall

• Social security coverage: from 19 % (2015) to 64.3 % (2025)
• Beneficiaries: over 940 million people
• Key digital tools: e‑Shram, NCS
• Institutional actors: EPFO, ESIC