India wins global award for expanding social security coverage

The Union Labour Ministry has highlighted the expansion of social protection in the country from 19% in 2015 to over 64% in 2025 at a conclave of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) held in Kuala Lumpur, The Union Labour Ministry on Friday highlighted the expansion of social protection in the country from 19% in 2015 to over 64% in 2025 at a conclave of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who received the ‘ISSA Award 2025’ for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Social Security’ on behalf of the Government of India, said the Union Government’s policies had benefitted about 940 million people. He also said the ‘Global South’ should take the lead in framing model definitions for gig and platform workers for the global community at large.

A release from the Ministry said India had strengthened global partnerships on social security, employment and labour mobility by signing agreements with several countries on the sidelines of the ISSA World Social Security Forum. Mr. Mandaviya also held bilateral meetings with Uganda, Malaysia and the Malaysian government’s Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial (PERKESO) leadership on social security cooperation.

India’s representation within ISSA has been enhanced with voting rights, the release said. Mr. Mandaviya briefed the gathering on India’s digital-first approach to social protection delivery, particularly the e-Shram and National Career Service (NCS) platforms. “The President of ISSA congratulated India on its achievements in social protection, and appreciated the remarkable expansion in social security coverage within a short span of time, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” the Ministry statement noted.

Mr. Mandaviya also expressed India’s willingness to support Uganda in developing digital platforms to effectively match talent with opportunity.

The Ministry said India was chosen as the 2025 recipient of the award for expanding social security coverage from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, reaching over 940 million citizens. India’s share in the General Assembly of ISSA has reached 30, the highest vote share for any country.

“This award is a testament to the vision of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and to our guiding principle of Antyodaya, empowering the last person in the line, that has shaped our journey towards inclusive and universal social protection,” Mr. Mandaviya said.