Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, NEW DELHI 03-OCT-2025 India’s unprecedented journey in expanding social security has received resounding global recognition, with the International Social Security Association (ISSA) conferring its prestigious ‘Outstanding Achievement in Social Security’ award upon the nation at the World Social Security Forum 2025.
Accepting the triennial award on behalf of the Government of India, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya revealed the scale of the nation’s progress: social security coverage has skyrocketed from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, now encompassing over 940 million citizens—a feat validated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
“This award is a testament to the vision of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, and to our guiding principle of Antyodaya, empowering the last person in the line,” Dr. Mandaviya stated, framing the achievement as a core outcome of the government’s inclusive policy framework.
Digital Infrastructure: The Engine of Inclusion
Central to India’s success, as detailed by the Minister, is the strategic deployment of digital public infrastructure designed for last-mile delivery. He spotlighted the e-Shram portal, a national database registering over 310 million unorganised workers, as a “One-Stop Solution” that directly links a vast, often hard-to-reach demographic with welfare schemes.
Further integrating skilling with social protection, the National Career Service (NCS) portal was highlighted as a critical tool. Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that its integration with e-Shram ensures that “our skilled youth can access global opportunities without losing their social security benefits,” a crucial step in formalizing and securing the future of mobile workers.
The Minister also credited the foundational role played by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) in providing comprehensive healthcare, pension, and insurance to the organized workforce.
Enhanced Global Standing
Reflecting this expanded domestic coverage, India’s influence on the global stage has been proportionally elevated. The nation has secured the highest vote share in the ISSA General Assembly, with 30 seats, cementing its role as a leading voice in shaping the future of social security policy worldwide.
Speaking on the convergence of technology and worker welfare, Dr. Mandaviya said, “India is leveraging technology to create new income opportunities and a social security net through a holistic approach that combines financial access, skilling, self-employment, and digital innovation.”
This award and the underlying data signal a paradigm shift. India is not only demonstrating a scalable model for mass social protection but is now positioned to export its digital governance expertise and advocate for the Global South, setting a new benchmark for nations aiming for universal, worker-centric social security.