'95 crore covered under social security': Modi cites ILO data in MKB

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said over 95 crore Indians were now covered under at least one social security scheme, citing a recent report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Quoting ILO’s findings, Modi said 64% of India’s population received at least one form of social protection benefit. This marks a significant increase from less than 25 crore beneficiaries in 2015.

“This is not just a number. It reflects a significant transformation in how India supports its citizens,” the PM said during the 123rd episode of his radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’. He added that India now ranked second globally in terms of social security coverage. ILO data is based on Phase 1 of a national data consolidation drive, which covers central schemes and programmes implemented in eight states — Rajasthan, Maharashtra, MP, TN, Odisha, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Assam.

Modi said Phase-2 was already under way and would bring data from the remaining states and more sectors, potentially taking the total number of beneficiaries past 100 crore.

Modi said schemes like Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana and e-Shram portal have been key in extending social protection to a wider population, particularly the poor, elderly and unorganised workers. He said these schemes have ensured access to food, healthcare, income support and insurance for crores of families.

He added that this growing social protection coverage would also help India in signing bilateral social security agreements with developed countries, enabling portability of benefits for Indian workers employed overseas. Modi also referred to a WHO report that declared India free from trachoma, an infectious eye disease that can lead to blindness.