India Social Security Expansion ISSA Award 2025 recognizes India for covering over 940 million citizens under social security schemes. Learn about e-Shram, EPFO, ESIC, and global recognition.
India Honoured with ISSA Award 2025 for Expanding Social Security Coverage
India has been conferred with the prestigious International Social Security Association (ISSA) Award 2025 for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Social Security’. This recognition was presented at the World Social Security Forum (WSSF) 2025 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The award acknowledges India’s remarkable progress in expanding social security coverage to over 940 million citizens, as recognized by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
📈 Surge in Social Security Coverage
Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, highlighted India’s historic expansion in social security coverage. From a mere 19% in 2015, the coverage has surged to 64.3% in 2025, benefiting over 940 million citizens. This achievement underscores India’s commitment to inclusive growth and strengthening its social protection framework.
💻 Digital Infrastructure Driving Inclusion
A significant factor contributing to this achievement is India’s robust digital infrastructure. The e-Shram portal, a National Digital Database, serves as a ‘One-Stop Solution’ connecting over 310 million unorganised workers with social welfare schemes through a multilingual, seamless interface. Additionally, the National Career Service (NCS) portal bridges job seekers and employers, facilitating access to employment opportunities while retaining social security coverage.
🏛️ EPFO and ESIC: Pillars of Social Security
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) play pivotal roles in providing healthcare, insurance, and pension benefits to India’s vast workforce. These institutions are evolving to meet modern demands, ensuring comprehensive social protection for all citizens.
🌐 India’s Global Leadership in Social Security
Following this achievement, India now holds 30 votes in the General Assembly of ISSA, the highest vote share for any country, further solidifying its leadership in global social security governance. This recognition reflects India’s dedication to shaping the future of social protection on the global stage.
🔍 Why This News is Important
📚 Relevance for Government Exam Aspirants
This development holds significant relevance for students preparing for various government exams, including those for teaching, police services, banking, railways, defence, and civil services like PSCS and IAS. Understanding the expansion of social security coverage provides insights into the government’s policies, initiatives, and achievements in welfare and social protection.
🧭 Key Areas for Examination Focus
Aspirants should focus on the following areas:
- Government Initiatives: Study the role of the Ministry of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports in implementing social security schemes.
- Digital Platforms: Understand the significance of digital platforms like e-Shram and NCS in delivering social welfare benefits.
- Institutional Roles: Familiarize with the functions of EPFO and ESIC in providing healthcare, insurance, and pension benefits.
- Global Recognition: Note India’s achievement in securing the highest vote share in the ISSA General Assembly, indicating its leadership in global social security governance.
🕰️ Historical Context
India’s journey towards expanding social security coverage has been marked by significant milestones. The Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008, was a pioneering step in providing social security to unorganised workers. This was later replaced by The Code on Social Security, 2020, which consolidated and amended laws relating to social security to extend benefits to all employees and workers, irrespective of their sector. These legislative frameworks laid the foundation for the comprehensive social protection system in place today.
📌 Key Takeaways from “India Honoured with ISSA Award 2025”
| No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | India received the ISSA Award 2025 for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Social Security’. |
| 2. | Social security coverage increased from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, covering over 940 million citizens. |
| 3. | The e-Shram portal connects over 310 million unorganised workers to social welfare schemes. |
| 4. | EPFO and ESIC provide healthcare, insurance, and pension benefits to India’s workforce. |
| 5. | India now holds the highest vote share in the ISSA General Assembly with 30 seats. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the ISSA Award 2025?
The International Social Security Association (ISSA) Award 2025 recognizes outstanding achievements in social security systems globally. India received this award for its remarkable expansion in social security coverage.
2. How many citizens are now covered under India’s social security schemes?
Over 940 million citizens are covered under various social security schemes in India as of 2025.
3. What is the role of the e-Shram portal?
The e-Shram portal is a national digital database that connects unorganised workers to social welfare schemes, offering a seamless platform for registration and access to benefits.
4. Which institutions play a key role in India’s social security system?
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) provide healthcare, pension, and insurance benefits to the workforce.
5. How has India’s social security coverage improved over the years?
Coverage increased from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, demonstrating India’s commitment to inclusive social protection.
6. What is the significance of India holding 30 votes in the ISSA General Assembly?
This reflects India’s leadership and influence in global social security governance, making it the country with the highest voting share in ISSA.
7. What legislation supports social security expansion in India?
The Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008, and the Code on Social Security, 2020, provide the legislative framework for extending social security to all employees and workers.
8. Why is this news important for government exam aspirants?
It provides knowledge about government policies, social welfare initiatives, digital governance, and global recognition of India’s achievements—topics frequently covered in exams like UPSC, SSC, banking, railways, and defence.
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